Buffalo Crust Upper Leather for Cowboy Boots from China
Tanned water buffalo crust in dry state for upper leather in western cowboy boots, hair-free and crust-processed only. Falls under HTS 4104.49.40 as other bovine (buffalo) crust for uppers. Known for its strength and natural grain suitable for rugged footwear.
Duty Rate — China → United States
42.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Obtain CITES permits if applicable for certain buffalo species, though most tanned hides are exempt
• Declare as 'upper leather' explicitly in entry docs, as end-use affects potential reclassification
• Test for fat-liquoring to confirm crust status, avoiding shifts to wet-finished categories