Sisal Beach Thongs from Japan
Minimalist thong-style beach footwear with sisal fiber uppers and textile-based soles dominating ground contact. Valued not over $3/pair, classified under HTS 6404.19.52 for vegetable fiber uppers and qualifying soles. Designed for sandy, wet environments.
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
• Test sole durability—textiles must withstand normal wear per U.S. note 5 or risk denial
• Provide manufacturing breakdowns showing vegetable fiber >50% external upper surface
• Monitor for anti-dumping duties on low-cost Asian imports in this category