Other gloves

Leather gloves, mittens and mitts (protective firefighter gloves)

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 16874

HSN 4203 29 20 (other gloves of leather or composition leather) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 16874:2018 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 13 October 2023, by virtue of the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022. No separate customs-clearance overlay has been notified for this tariff line beyond the BIS obligation.

What this is

HSN code

4203 29 20

Chapter

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

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 16874:2018 · effective 13-10-2023

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

Compliance steps

1
Source only from a Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L-licensed manufacturer holding a current licence against IS 16874:2018 for protective gloves for firefighters. Verify the supplier's CM/L number, licensed product scope, and licensed manufacturing facility on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.
Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 · S.O. 1707(E) dated 10-04-2023
2
Ensure every glove bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number under Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The marking must appear on the product itself, not on packaging alone.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022
3
Confirm in writing with the supplier that the leather gloves being imported meet the firefighter-protective specifications of IS 16874:2018. The QCO scope is limited to protective gloves for firefighters; general leather gloves outside that specification are not within the QCO but are also not automatically admissible without this documented scope determination.
Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 · S.O. 1707(E) dated 10-04-2023
4
Quote the supplier's BIS CM/L number on the bill of entry. Bureau of Indian Standards verifies the CM/L in real time against the BIS register; an absent, expired, or scope-mismatched CM/L triggers consignment detention, demurrage, and potential re-export or confiscation.
BIS Act, 2016 · Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 · Customs Act, 1962
5
Note the absolute prohibition on import of seal skin in any form under this chapter. Ensure the leather raw material and the finished gloves do not contain seal skin; a prohibited-material finding results in confiscation regardless of BIS compliance status.
ITC (HS) import policy condition for Chapter 42 · CCR policy note for HSN 4203 29 20

A word of counsel

The most consequential error on this tariff line is assuming that any leather glove classifiable under HSN 4203 29 20 triggers the BIS QCO. IS 16874:2018 covers protective gloves for firefighters exclusively; an importer sourcing general-purpose leather work gloves, driving gloves, or fashion gloves under this HSN will find the QCO inapplicable to those products — but must still document the out-of-scope determination in writing, because customs may query the absence of a CM/L at the time of assessment. Failure to pre-empt that query with a written scope analysis risks detention pending clarification.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4203 29 20 require BIS certification?

Yes, for protective gloves for firefighters falling within IS 16874:2018. Conformity is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 13 October 2023 under the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022.

Does the BIS QCO apply to all leather gloves classified under HSN 4203 29 20?

No. IS 16874:2018 covers protective gloves for firefighters only; general leather gloves, driving gloves, and fashion gloves classified under this residual tariff line are not within the QCO scope, though importers should document this determination to avoid customs queries.

What is the significance of the seal skin prohibition for this HSN?

Import of seal skin in any form is absolutely prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy for Chapter 42; gloves containing seal skin are liable to confiscation at port regardless of any BIS certification status.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all firefighter-glove specifications and manufacturing facilities?

No. The CM/L is scope-specific by product specification and licensed manufacturing facility; firefighter gloves outside the licensed specification or produced at an unlicensed plant are not covered.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-18. Source: BIS / Indian Customs CUSDATA.