Plastic Casual Sneakers from Japan
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 — 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 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