4103 - Other raw hides and skins (fresh, or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further prepared), whether or not dehaired or split, other than those excluded by note 1(b) or 1(c) to this chapter:

HTS code 4103 encompasses a broad range of raw hides and skins that have undergone initial preservation treatments but have not yet reached the stage of tanning or further processing into leather. This category includes materials that are fresh, salted, dried, limed, or pickled, and may have been dehaired or split. It is crucial to note that these are not yet leather, parchment, or similar prepared materials. The key defining factor for inclusion in 4103 is the raw state of the animal skin, preserved for storage or transport, but not yet transformed into a finished or semi-finished leather product.

This category functions as a residual classification within Chapter 41, specifically for raw hides and skins that are not explicitly covered by other more specific headings. Unlike earlier headings in Chapter 41 that deal with live animals (such as 0101 for horses or 0102 for bovine animals), HTS 4103 is concerned solely with the post-slaughter, pre-tanning stage of animal coverings. It also differs from headings that might cover furskins, as Chapter 41 is explicitly limited to non-furskin hides and skins.

The subcategories within 4103 provide further specificity based on the animal origin of the raw hides and skins. 4103.20 is dedicated to hides and skins originating from reptiles, such as snakes or crocodiles. 4103.30 specifically classifies raw hides and skins derived from swine. Finally, the residual category 4103.90 covers all other raw hides and skins not falling under the reptile or swine classifications, which could include those from other mammals like sheep, goats, or cattle, provided they meet the criteria of being raw and preserved but not tanned.