4114.20 - Patent leather and patent laminated leather; metallized leather:

This HTS category, 4114.20, encompasses finished leather products characterized by a specific surface treatment. It includes patent leather and patent laminated leather, which are distinguished by a high-gloss, reflective finish achieved through the application of a plastic coating, typically cellulose nitrate or polyurethane. Metallized leather is also included, defined by the application of metallic foil or powder to the leather surface, creating a metallic sheen. These leathers are often used in fashion accessories, footwear, and upholstery where a decorative and durable surface is desired.

This classification is distinct from its sibling, HTS 4114.10, which covers chamois and combination chamois leather. Chamois leather is a soft, absorbent leather produced through a process involving oils, whereas the leathers in 4114.20 are primarily differentiated by their artificial, high-gloss, or metallic surface treatments, rather than the tanning or finishing process itself. The focus here is on the decorative and protective outer layer applied to the leather.

The subcategories within 4114.20 further refine the classification based on the precise method of surface treatment. "Patent leather" typically refers to leather coated with a high-gloss synthetic finish. "Patent laminated leather" involves a layered construction where a patent finish is laminated onto the leather. "Metallized leather" specifically denotes leather with a metallic coating. These distinctions are important for accurately identifying the specific type of finished leather being imported or exported.