HS code 4202 covers bags, backpacks, handbags, and travel luggage. These attract BCD 20% and IGST 18%, giving a total effective duty of approximately 41%. Outer material determines the exact sub-heading and duty exposure.
Quick answer: HS code 4202 covers bags, backpacks, handbags, wallets, and travel luggage. BCD: 20%. IGST: 18%. Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD. Total effective duty: approximately 41% on CIF value. No mandatory pre-import licence. Outer material determines the exact sub-heading.
HS code 4202 covers travel goods, handbags, and similar containers. 42029200 covers backpacks and rucksacks with synthetic outer material. 42022100 covers handbags with leather outer material. 42029900 covers other bags. The outer material (not lining) determines the correct sub-heading.
Plastic shopping bags use HS 3923. Paper bags use HS 4819. Suitcases with metal frames use HS 4202 but may have different sub-headings. Jewellery boxes use HS 4202 if primarily of leather/synthetic, or HS 4420 if wooden. Correct classification depends on primary material and intended use.
Related resources: find HS codes for other products, first-time importer guide.
Total effective duty on CIF value = BCD + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST on (CIF + BCD + SWS). For HS code 4202, BCD is 20% and IGST is 18%.
| Duty Component | Rate | On ₹100,000 CIF (50 bags) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | 20% | ₹20,000 |
| Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) | 10% of BCD | ₹2,000 |
| IGST | 18% | ₹21,960 |
| Total Customs Duty | ~44.0% of CIF | ₹43,960 |
Note: Anti-dumping duty does not currently apply to HS 4202 bags from China. However, undervaluation of bags is common — customs closely scrutinizes declared CIF values for branded/designer bags.
Bags and luggage do not qualify for EPCG. Some ASEAN-origin bags may qualify for reduced BCD under the ASEAN-India FTA if rules of origin are met. Verify with your CHA before ordering from Vietnam or Thailand.
Use our import duty calculator to compute exact landed cost for your shipment.
No mandatory pre-import licence for bags and luggage. Accurate invoicing is essential to avoid valuation disputes for branded bags.
No mandatory import licence is required for bags, backpacks, and luggage. Standard customs clearance applies with commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, IEC code, and GST registration.
Customs closely scrutinizes declared CIF values for branded and designer bags. Accurate invoicing reflecting realistic market value is essential to avoid valuation disputes and penalties.
For retail sale, bags must display: brand name, material composition, country of origin, MRP in Indian rupees, and importer name/address.
Need help with compliance? check your compliance requirements or read our customs clearance guide.
Typical lead time: 25–35 days via LCL sea freight from China.
Our customs clearance guide explains each step in detail. For Bengaluru-bound cargo, we clear at BLR airport (6–12 hours for green channel air freight) or ICD Whitefield (2–4 days for sea freight).
Bags and backpacks (HS 4202) attract BCD 20%, SWS 2%, and IGST 18% — total effective duty approximately 41% on CIF value. The same rate applies to handbags, wallets, travel luggage, and similar articles regardless of origin.
Leather handbags: HS 42021100. Leather backpacks: HS 42021200. Nylon/synthetic backpacks: HS 42029200. Jute bags: HS 42021000. The outer material (not lining) determines the correct sub-heading — your CHA confirms classification based on product specifications.
Anti-dumping duty does not currently apply to HS 4202 bags from China. However, undervaluation of bags is common — customs closely scrutinizes declared CIF values for branded/designer bags. Accurate invoicing is essential to avoid valuation disputes.
Yes. D2C brands import bags under a regular IEC code with full customs clearance. Key steps: IEC code → freight booking → Bill of Entry filing → duty payment → delivery to warehouse. IGST paid at import is creditable for GST-registered sellers.
A 20ft container holds approximately 33 CBM. A standard 30L backpack at 0.035 CBM = approximately 940 units per 20ft. For lighter bags, volume (CBM) fills before weight. Use our container load optimizer to calculate the precise count.
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