Steel Toe Safety Sneakers
These low-cut sneakers feature an outer sole and upper made primarily of rubber or plastics, with a protective metal toe-cap for safety in light industrial environments. They fall under HTS 6402.99.16.00 due to their value between $3 and $6.50 per pair and the metal toe-cap distinguishing them from non-safety footwear. The rubber/plastic materials dominate the external surface area of both upper and sole as per Chapter Note 4.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 37.5% | +10.0% | 47.5% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 37.5% | +10.0% | 47.5% |
| 🇨🇦Canada | 37.5% | +10.0% | 47.5% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 37.5% | +10.0% | 47.5% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 37.5% | +10.0% | 47.5% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If valued over $6.50/pair
Exceeds the value threshold for 6402.99.16.00, shifting to higher value subheading while retaining rubber/plastics and metal toe-cap classification.
If upper primarily leather by surface area
Chapter Note 4(a) bases upper material on greatest external surface; leather uppers move to Chapter 64 heading 6403 for leather footwear.
If sold as individual protective toe-cap components, not assembled footwear
If not complete footwear but parts like metal toe-caps, classifies under 6406 per Chapter Note 3, excluding trimmings.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify the protective metal toe-cap meets ASTM F2413 standards and provide lab certification to avoid reclassification as non-safety footwear
• Declare exact value per pair accurately with invoices; undervaluation in this $3-$6.50 range often triggers audits
• Ensure fiber content labels if any textile reinforcements are visible, as per Chapter Note 4(a) for upper material determination
Related Products under HTS 6402.99.16.00
Metal Toe Work Slip-Ons
Slip-on style work shoes with rubber/plastic uppers and soles, incorporating a steel toe-cap for toe protection in warehouses or construction sites. Classified in 6402.99.16.00 for other rubber/plastics footwear valued $3-$6.50/pair with protective metal toe. Plastics form the dominant external surface per notes.
Safety Toe Casual Work Oxfords
Oxford-style shoes mimicking casual wear but with reinforced rubber/plastic uppers and steel toe-caps for office-warehouse hybrid use, priced $5/pair. 6402.99.16.00 due to materials, value, and protective feature. Greatest surface area rule confirms classification.
Budget Steel Toe Sneaker-Likes
Affordable sneaker-style safety shoes with thermoplastic uppers, rubber outsoles, and steel toe-caps for entry-level workers. Valued at $5.50/pair, classified 6402.99.16.00 for metal toe-cap rubber/plastics footwear.
Protective Steel Toe Clogs
Durable clogs designed for food service or light manufacturing, featuring rubber/plastic construction and embedded steel toe-cap for safety. HTS 6402.99.16.00 applies to these valued over $3 but not over $6.50/pair with metal toe protection. Outer sole rubber contacts ground primarily.
Industrial Metal Cap Deck Shoes
Non-slip deck shoes for shipyards or docks with PVC/rubber uppers, soles, and protective steel toe-caps valued $4-$6/pair. Fits 6402.99.16.00 as other footwear incorporating metal toe-caps. Visible plastic layer qualifies under Chapter Note 3.