Jute Training Sneakers from Japan
Versatile training shoes for gym use with uppers of woven jute vegetable fibers covering the majority external area, and outer soles where textile fabric provides the greatest contact with the ground. Fits HTS 6404.11.81 as non-sports-specific but qualifying sports-like footwear valued over $6.50 but not $12/pair, textile sole valid under U.S. note 5. Excludes rubber/plastics dominance per chapter notes.
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
• Label uppers clearly as vegetable fibers; customs may test for blends exceeding 50% non-vegetable materials
• Document sole construction showing textile > rubber area in contact; common pitfall is ignoring reinforcements
• Ensure valuation per pair; bulk imports risk averaging over $12, shifting to higher subheadings