Adhesive-Bonded Jute Fiber Hiking Sneakers from China

Low-cost hiking sneakers featuring uppers made primarily from woven jute vegetable fibers and outer soles where textile materials (not qualifying for exclusion under US note 5) cover the greatest ground-contact area. The rubber/plastic soles and mid-soles are affixed exclusively with adhesive, without foxing or overlapping soles except at toe/heel, valued $5/pair. Classified under 6404.11.61.90 due to textile uppers, sports design, specific construction, and value range.

Duty Rate — China → United States

17.5%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter

Import Tips

Verify upper is predominantly vegetable fibers (e.g

jute) by surface area and document sole textile dominance per chapter note 4(b), excluding non-durable textiles

Provide lab tests confirming adhesive-only affixation and no foxing/overlaps; common pitfall is misclassifying stitched constructions

Ensure value declaration between $3-$6.50/pair with invoices; watch for undervaluation audits on budget sports shoes