Hand-bags and shopping bags, of cotton

Cotton handbags and shopping bags with textile outer surface

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4202 22 20 (Hand-bags and shopping bags, of cotton) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under which import is generally free with one categorical prohibition: any product incorporating seal skin in any form is prohibited from import.

What this is

HSN code

4202 22 20

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42

Customs documentation

ITC (HS) policy declaration from DGFT
Country of origin certificate from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Confirm the consignment contains no seal skin in any form before filing the bill of entry. Import of seal skin in any form is Prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy; a consignment found to contain seal-skin components is liable to confiscation and monetary penalty.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42 — prohibition on seal skin in any form
2
File the bill of entry with a declaration of compliance with the ITC (HS) policy for Chapter 42, confirming the outer surface material is cotton textile and the product contains no prohibited wildlife-derived components.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42 · Customs Act, 1962

A word of counsel

The seal-skin prohibition applies irrespective of the quantity of seal-skin content — even a minor decorative trim or lining that incorporates seal skin renders the entire consignment Prohibited. Buyers and importers should obtain a written declaration from the manufacturer confirming the absence of seal-skin components in the product, including any accessories such as clasps, trims, or linings, before placing the purchase order.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4202 22 20 require BIS certification?

No, cotton handbags and shopping bags are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with a categorical prohibition on any product incorporating seal skin in any form.

What is the ITC (HS) import status for cotton handbags under this tariff line?

Import is Free under the ITC (HS) policy for cotton handbags that do not contain seal skin; the sole operative restriction is the Prohibited status for any product incorporating seal skin in any form.

What enforcement consequence applies if a consignment under HSN 4202 22 20 is found to contain seal skin?

A consignment found to contain seal skin in any form is liable to confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962, as a Prohibited import under the ITC (HS) policy; monetary penalty and re-export or destruction of the goods may follow.

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