Vanity-bags

Vanity-bags with outer surface of plastics or textile materials

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4202 22 40 (Vanity-bags) is subject to ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which prohibits the import of seal skin in any form. Vanity-bags whose outer surface incorporates seal skin are absolutely prohibited under this tariff line.

What this is

HSN code

4202 22 40

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy prohibition, Chapter 42

Customs documentation

Import declaration from DGFT
Material composition certificate from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Verify that no component of the vanity-bag's outer surface or internal materials constitutes 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 for this tariff line, and consignments incorporating such material are liable to confiscation.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42 — seal skin prohibition
2
Obtain a material composition certificate from the foreign manufacturer confirming the outer surface material is sheeting of plastics or textile materials, with no seal-derived components. Retain this certificate for customs verification at the bill-of-entry stage.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42

A word of counsel

The prohibition on seal skin under this tariff line applies to seal skin in any form — including blended, processed, or partially incorporated material — not only to whole-skin outer surfaces. An importer relying solely on a supplier's commercial invoice description risks confiscation where the bill of materials or a laboratory analysis discloses seal-derived content; a detailed material composition certificate from the manufacturer is the only reliable safeguard.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4202 22 40 require BIS certification?

No, vanity-bags of plastics or textile outer surface fall outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, which imposes a prohibition on seal skin in any form.

Does the seal skin prohibition apply only to the outer surface or to the entire bag?

The ITC (HS) policy prohibits import of seal skin in any form under this tariff line, which covers any component of the article, not merely the outer surface.

Are vanity-bags with no seal skin content freely importable under this HSN?

Yes, provided the outer surface is sheeting of plastics or textile materials and no seal skin in any form is present; such consignments are treated as Free under the ITC (HS) policy and require no additional DGFT licence.

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