Polyester Slip-On Loafers from Japan
Casual slip-on shoes with uppers of woven polyester textile (non-vegetable fibers), featuring outer soles with primary textile (nylon fabric) in ground contact, disregarded under US Note 5 for lacking durability. Priced $4-$6/pair with adhesive-only rubber midsole attachment, no foxing or upper overlap. Meets 6404.19.61 for specific upper/sole material rules and value.
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
9903.05.480%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate ≥ 12.5 percent): MFN >= 12.5% → no additional duty
Import Tips
• Document adhesive-only construction with photos/specs to avoid 6403 reclass; test sole textile for non-durable properties
• Label fiber content precisely as polyester >85% to confirm non-vegetable status