Synthetic Knit Basketball Practice Shoes from Japan
Budget basketball practice shoes with synthetic knit textile uppers and outer soles incorporating textile areas with the largest ground contact (non-counted per US note 5), rubber dominant. Priced $4-$6/pair, classified in 6404.11.75.90 as sports footwear (gym/training type) per subheading note 1(b).
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
9903.05.480%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
• Label uppers clearly as synthetic textiles (not vegetable fibers) and confirm no leather/plastics visible as primary external layer per Chapter note 4(a)
• Include invoices proving valuation range; watch for undervaluation penalties in this specific price band
• Document sports design elements to justify subheading, avoiding shift to general casual sneakers