Adhesive Sisal Fiber Basketball Sneakers from Japan
Affordable basketball-style sneakers using sisal vegetable fiber uppers and textile-heavy outer soles (textile greatest contact area, ignored under US note 5). Soles/midsoles glued exclusively, avoiding foxing/overlaps, valued $6/pair. Matches 6404.11.61.90 criteria for sports footwear with precise construction.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
52.5%
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
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Supply cross-section diagrams proving adhesive affixation and textile sole coverage; CBP often requests for 'other' subcategory
• Avoid classifying as 'protective'—not for outdoor/waterproof use per US note; common error inflates value/duties
• Country-of-origin rules strict for fibers; ensure certificates for sisal sourcing to dodge transshipment claims