HS code for suitcase
The U.S. HS code for a suitcase is usually 4202.12.21.20 (hard shell plastic), with a 20% general duty and an estimated total of 32.5% from China and 32.5% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 57.5% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard shell plastic | 4202.12.21.20 | 20% | 32.5% |
| Soft side textile | 4202.12.81.70 | 17.6% | 30.1% |
- 4202.12.21.20: Structured, rigid on all sides
- 4202.12.81.70: With outer surface of textile materials / Of man-made fibers / Other (670)
What decides the code
A suitcase is a trunk or suitcase container of heading 4202, classified by outer surface material and by rigid or soft construction.
- Outer surface material decides the subheading: plastics leads to 4202.12.21.20, textile materials lead to 4202.12.81.70.
- Construction decides the plastics line: a hard shell rigid on all sides fits 4202.12.21.20, a soft side body does not.
- For textile suitcases, fiber content decides the line: man-made fibers fit 4202.12.81.70.
Common mistakes
- Classifying a hard shell plastic suitcase in 4202.12.81.70 is wrong because that line covers textile outer surfaces, not plastics.
- Classifying a soft side textile suitcase in 4202.12.21.20 is wrong because that line requires a surface of plastics and a rigid body.
- Putting a suitcase in a handbag or backpack line under heading 4202 is wrong because suitcases have their own subheading group at 4202.12.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 32.5% = 20% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 57.5%.
- Vietnam
- 32.5% = 20% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 4202.12.21.20, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Hard shell plastic
- CN 4202 12 50, 5.2%
- Soft side textile
- CN 4202 12 99, 3.7%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for a suitcase?
The U.S. HTS code for a suitcase is usually 4202.12.21.20 (hard shell plastic). Other versions use 4202.12.81.70 for soft side textile. The first six digits, 4202.12, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a suitcase from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 4202.12.21.20 is 20%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 32.5% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 32.5%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 4202.12.21.20Structured, rigid on all sides
- 4202.12.81.70With outer surface of textile materials / Of man-made fibers / Other (670)
- Heading 4202Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, attache cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases, holsters and similar containers; traveling bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toiletry bags, knapsacks and backpacks, handbags, shopping bags, wallets, purses, map cases, cigarette cases, tobacco pouches, tool bags, sports bags, bottle cases, jewelry boxes, powder cases, cutlery cases and similar containers, of leather or of composition leather, of sheeting of plastics, of textile materials, of vulcanized fiber or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.