Handball Gym Shoes with Sisal Upper from Japan
Handball shoes crafted with sisal (vegetable fiber) uppers for durability, textile outer soles dominant in ground contact, valued $3.50-$6.50/pair. HTS 6404.11.71 applies as sports footwear with non-qualifying textile soles under U.S. note 5. Enhances quick lateral movement.
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
• Use detailed BOM (bill of materials) proving vegetable fiber sourcing for uppers
• Customs may inspect for 'naked eye' plastic layers; ensure pure textile visibility
• Batch imports by value to prevent mixing brackets causing delays