Jute Woven Ankle Slippers from Japan
Handwoven house slippers from jute fibers covering the ankle, with open heels and slip-on design held by elastic. Outer sole of minimal rubber/plastics (<10% weight) complies with HTS 6404.19.25.15 for vegetable fiber uppers and non-fastener style.
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
• Document jute as vegetable fiber via supplier certs; pitfall is confusing with synthetic textiles—use surface area tests
• Avoid foxing-like bands; photo uppers/sole junctions for proof against reclassification
• Declare as indoor-only to prevent shifting to protective footwear subheadings