For rackets

Gut strings and sinew articles for rackets

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4206 00 10 (For rackets) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under which import of seal skin in any form is prohibited. Importers must confirm the source material does not constitute seal skin before filing a bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

4206 00 10

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 origin declaration from exporter
Import policy compliance from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the gut, bladder, tendon, or goldbeater's skin used in the racket strings or articles does not originate from seal. Import of seal skin in any form is prohibited under the ITC (HS) import policy, and a consignment found to contain seal-derived material is liable to confiscation.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42 — seal skin prohibition
2
Obtain a material-origin declaration from the foreign exporter confirming the substrate (natural gut, animal tendon, bladder, or goldbeater's skin) and species of origin. Retain this declaration for customs inspection at the bill-of-entry stage.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 42

A word of counsel

The single most consequential error on this tariff line is inadequate species identification in the supplier's documentation. Gut and sinew articles for rackets can be sourced from cattle, sheep, or other permissible animals, but a generic 'animal gut' description without species identification leaves customs officers unable to rule out a seal-skin origin — triggering detention and potential confiscation pending laboratory verification. Require species-specific certification from the manufacturer before shipment.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 4206 00 10 require BIS certification?

No, gut and sinew articles for rackets are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed solely by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, which prohibits the import of seal skin in any form.

What materials are prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy for this tariff line?

Import of seal skin in any form is prohibited under the ITC (HS) policy for Chapter 42; articles for rackets made from or containing seal skin cannot be legally imported into India.

Can racket gut strings made from cattle or sheep intestine be imported freely?

Yes, provided the exporter's documentation clearly identifies the species of origin as a permissible animal, confirming the absence of any seal-derived material, so that the ITC (HS) prohibition does not apply.

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