Mittens and mitts

Leather sports mittens and mitts for athletic use

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4203 21 20 (Mittens and mitts) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which prohibits import of seal skin in any form. Importers must confirm that the leather or composition leather used in the consignment does not constitute seal skin before filing the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

4203 21 20

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Material declaration from exporter
Import policy compliance from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the leather or composition leather in the consignment is not derived from seal skin in any form. Import of seal skin in any form is Prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy, and a consignment containing seal-skin material is liable to outright confiscation at the port of entry.
ITC (HS) Prohibited import policy, Chapter 42
2
Obtain a material-origin declaration from the foreign supplier confirming the species and source of the leather used, and retain it as supporting documentation at the bill of entry. Customs officers may call for this declaration to verify compliance with the seal-skin prohibition.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42 · Customs Act, 1962

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is assuming that a general description of 'leather' or 'composition leather' is sufficient to satisfy the seal-skin prohibition. Customs may require documentary evidence of species origin at the bill of entry; an exporter's invoice that merely states 'genuine leather' without specifying the animal source can trigger detention and a show-cause notice under the Customs Act, 1962.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4203 21 20 require BIS certification?

No, leather sports mittens and mitts are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, which enforces a prohibition on seal skin in any form.

What documentation is required to demonstrate that the consignment does not contain seal skin?

A material-origin declaration from the foreign manufacturer specifying the animal source of the leather, supported by any available tannery or species certificates, is the standard documentation expected at the bill of entry.

What is the consequence if a consignment is found to contain seal skin?

Import of seal skin in any form is Prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy; a consignment found to contain seal-skin material is liable to confiscation and monetary penalty under the Customs Act, 1962.

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