Jute Espadrilles from Japan
Classic espadrille-style shoes with uppers of woven jute (vegetable fiber) and flexible textile soles providing the main ground contact. Priced under $3/pair, they fit HTS 6404.19.52 due to vegetable fiber uppers and qualifying textile soles not excluded by U.S. note 5. Popular for casual, bohemian fashion.
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
• Obtain certificates confirming jute as vegetable fiber; blends over 50% non-vegetable may shift classification
• Conduct sole material analysis—ensure textiles meet durability for normal use per U.S. note 5
• Package as individual pairs; bulk shipments risk classification as parts under 6406