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
52.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%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 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
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
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