Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silk-worm gut)

HS code 42 covers a diverse range of products related to leather, saddlery, and travel goods. This industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, providing essential items for personal use, transportation, and commercial applications. From luxury handbags to rugged work boots, the products under this code contribute to various sectors, including fashion, tourism, and industrial manufacturing.

The production of articles under HS code 42 typically involves a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing techniques. Leather goods, such as bags and shoes, are often produced through a process of tanning, cutting, and stitching. Saddlery and harness items may require additional steps, including molding and shaping the leather to fit specific purposes. Travel goods, like suitcases and backpacks, may incorporate a range of materials, including textiles and plastics, in addition to leather.

The main inputs required for the production of articles under HS code 42 include raw hides and skins, which are processed into leather through tanning and finishing. Other key inputs may include textiles, such as canvas or nylon, for the manufacture of travel goods, as well as various hardware components, such as buckles, zippers, and fasteners. Specialized machinery, such as sewing machines and cutting tools, are also essential for the production of these items.

The diverse range of products covered under HS code 42 caters to a wide variety of end-users and industries. The outputs from this industry include 4202 Travel goods, handbags and similar containers, 4203 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of leather or of composition leather, 4205 Other articles of leather or of composition leather, and 4206 (Articles of gut (other than silk-worm gut), of goldbeater's skin, of bladders or of tendons). These products are often consumed by industries such as 94 Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings, 95 Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof, and 96 Miscellaneous manufactured articles.