Buffalo Wet-Blue Full Grain Upper Hides from Japan
Tanned buffalo hides in wet-blue state, full grain unsplit, intended for upper leather in boots and shoes. HTS 4104.11.40 applies as buffalo is included in bovine animals, wet state without further preparation, and specified for upper use. Chrome tanning keeps it moist and reversible.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
52.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.41.0540%Bovine (including buffalo) and equine leather (provided for in heading 4104 or 4107); goat, kid, sheep and lamb leather, the foregoing dyed, colored, stamped or embossed (provided for in heading 4105, 4106, 4112 or 4113)
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Label as 'bovine (buffalo)' clearly; customs may require species verification to confirm chapter 41 inclusion
• Avoid packaging that dries the leather during transit, as it could reclassify to crust
• Include lab analysis showing chrome content typical of wet-blue (3-5% Cr2O3)