Other

Handbags and similar containers with leather outer surface

WCCB CLEARANCE

HSN 4202 21 90 (handbags and similar containers with outer surface of leather or composition leather) is subject to Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) oversight requiring a CITES certificate under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species where the goods incorporate protected wildlife materials. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) administers an ITC (HS) Restricted-import overlay that prohibits the import of seal skin in any form.

What this is

HSN code

4202 21 90

Chapter

42 · Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers

Primary regulator

WCCB · CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)

Customs documentation

CITES certificate from WCCB
ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

WCCBWCCB·Wildlife Crime Control Bureau

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Ensure the CITES certificate (document code 626000) is obtained and uploaded in e-Sanchit before filing the bill of entry. The proper officer will verify this document for any PGA-facilitated bill not routed through WCCB for an NOC, and out-of-charge will not be granted without the upload.
CITES certificate · document code 626000 · e-Sanchit upload requirement
2
Confirm the consignment contains no seal skin in any form before shipment. Import of seal skin — whether as a primary material or as a trim or component within any article under this tariff line — is prohibited under the ITC (HS) import policy and will result in confiscation and enforcement action by DGFT.
ITC (HS) import policy · Seal skin prohibition, Chapter 42

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming the CITES obligation applies only to whole hides or raw skins and not to finished leather articles. A handbag, wallet, or similar container made from the skin of any CITES-listed species — including exotic reptiles and certain bovines — requires a valid CITES certificate at the bill of entry; the absence of this document triggers detention and potential confiscation regardless of the commercial value or declared end-use of the article.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4202 21 90 require BIS certification?

No, leather handbags and similar containers fall outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau CITES certification requirements, with an ITC (HS) policy overlay administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade that prohibits seal skin imports.

Which document code must be uploaded in e-Sanchit for the CITES certificate?

Document code 626000 is the designated code for the CITES certificate; it must be uploaded in e-Sanchit before out-of-charge is granted at the bill of entry stage.

Is the seal skin prohibition limited to raw material imports or does it extend to finished leather goods?

The ITC (HS) policy prohibits import of seal skin in any form under this tariff line, which extends to finished articles — including bags, wallets, and cases — where seal skin constitutes the outer surface or any component material.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: WCCB / DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.