Plastic Casual Sneakers from Germany
Low-top sneakers featuring uppers primarily of synthetic plastic materials and rubber outer soles, designed for everyday casual wear. Classified under HTS 6402.99.80.91 because the outer sole and upper are predominantly rubber or plastics, not qualifying as sports footwear, and valued between $6.50 and $12 per pair. The external surface area of plastics determines the material classification per Chapter Note 4.
Duty Rate — Germany → United States
20%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.380%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92 and 9903.05.97, articles the product of a member state of the European Union, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 equal to or greater than 10 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Verify valuation documentation to confirm $6.50-$12/pair range; measure external surface area of upper for plastics dominance
• Ensure no sports features like cleat provisions to avoid 6402.12
• Common pitfall: misclassifying as leather if minimal leather accents exceed surface area