Hand-bags and shopping bags, of Jute

Jute handbags and shopping bags

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4202 22 30 (Hand-bags and shopping bags, of Jute) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The tariff line carries a Prohibited-import carve-out: import of seal skin in any form is prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy, which is relevant where jute bags incorporate seal-skin components or trim.

What this is

HSN code

4202 22 30

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

Import policy declaration from DGFT
Material composition declaration from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that no component, trim, or material of the consignment constitutes seal skin in any form. Import of seal skin in any form is Prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy; a consignment containing seal-skin elements is liable to confiscation at the bill of entry regardless of the primary material declared.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42 — seal-skin prohibition
2
File the bill of entry with a material-composition declaration from the foreign manufacturer confirming the outer surface and all components are of jute or other permitted textile materials, with no seal-skin content. Retain documentary evidence of material composition for post-clearance audit.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is overlooking the seal-skin prohibition when sourcing jute bags with decorative animal-material trim or mixed-material components. Even trace quantities of seal skin — lining, strap inserts, closure tabs — bring the entire consignment within the Prohibited category, triggering confiscation under the ITC (HS) policy irrespective of the declared primary material. Verify supplier material certifications before shipment, not at the port of import.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4202 22 30 require BIS certification?

No, jute handbags and shopping bags are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime; no BIS QCO covers this product family. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with a Prohibited-import restriction on seal skin in any form.

Does the seal-skin prohibition apply only to bags made entirely of seal skin?

No. The ITC (HS) policy prohibits import of seal skin in any form, which encompasses bags where seal skin is present as any component, trim, or material — not solely bags made wholly of seal skin.

Are jute handbags otherwise freely importable under this tariff line?

Yes, provided no seal-skin content is present, the tariff line does not carry a Restricted-import licence requirement and standard customs documentation applies at the bill of entry.

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