Raffia Woven Mules from Japan
Backless mule shoes braided from raffia palm fibers (vegetable) with soft textile soles adhesively bonded, not exceeding $3/pair. Textile materials provide the primary ground-contact surface on soles, not meeting U.S. note 5 durability. Aligns with 6404.19.42 for low-value natural fiber upper mules.
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
• Source raffia fiber certificates; blends with plastics risk reclass
• Value declaration critical—use FOB proofs under $3
• No mid-sole stitching; pure adhesive key