Jute Fiber Gym Shoes from Japan
Affordable gym shoes with uppers of woven jute and cotton vegetable fibers, featuring textile-woven outer soles (greatest ground contact) and adhesively bonded rubber mid-soles. Valued not over $3/pair, these training shoes avoid foxing bands or sole overlaps. HTS 6404.11.41 applies as they meet the precise criteria for vegetable fiber uppers and excluded textile soles.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Label uppers clearly as vegetable fibers; customs may inspect for non-qualifying synthetics
• Photographic evidence of sole ground-contact area helps prove textile predominance
• Avoid common pitfall of undervaluation claims—use detailed costing breakdowns