Steel Toe Safety Sneakers from Japan
These sneakers feature an outer sole and upper made primarily of rubber or plastics with a protective metal toe-cap for industrial safety. Valued over $12 per pair, they provide impact protection while maintaining a casual sneaker appearance. Classified under 6402.99.21.00 due to the rubber/plastics materials and metal toe-cap.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
60%
Rate breakdown
9903.41.1040%Footwear with outer soles of leather and uppers wholly or in part of leather, and footwear with outer soles of rubber or plastics and uppers having an exterior surface area predominantly of leather, the foregoing provided for in chapter 64, except (a) slip-on footwear of a type not suitable for outdoor use, without backs or backstraps, having outer soles with a thickness of less than 5 mm and with less than 20 mm difference between the thickness of the bottom at the ball of the foot and at the heel, and (b) footwear which is designed for a sporting activity and has, or has provision for, attached spikes, sprigs, stops, clips, bars or the like, and skating boots, ski-boots and cross-country ski footwear, wrestling boots, boxing boots and cycling shoes
9903.05.480%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 equal to or greater than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Verify the metal toe-cap meets ASTM F2413 standards and document impact ratings for customs
• Provide detailed material breakdown showing rubber/plastics as dominant upper/sole materials
• Avoid misclassification as work boots by confirming casual sneaker design, not specialized sports