Hemp Fiber Sandals from Japan
Open-toe casual sandals with uppers of woven hemp fabric (vegetable fibers) and fabric-covered foam textile soles glued exclusively to the upper, under $3/pair value. Textile constitutes the greatest sole-ground surface, not qualifying under U.S. note 5 terms. Classifies in 6404.19.42 as low-cost veggie-fiber upper sandals with specified sole construction.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
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
• Certify hemp as vegetable fiber via origin docs; avoid synthetic blends pushing to plastics heading
• Prove <$3/pair with commercial invoices; undervaluation flags common audits
• Demonstrate exclusive adhesive bonding—no stitching; retain production photos