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Jute Fiber Hiking Sneakers from Japan

Low-top sneakers featuring uppers made primarily from woven jute vegetable fibers, with outer soles of rubber where textile materials cover the greatest surface area in contact with the ground (ignored per US note 5). Valued between $3 and $6.50 per pair, these are designed for casual outdoor use. Classified under 6404.19.72.90 due to textile uppers of vegetable fibers and qualifying sole composition.

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

• Verify upper material is predominantly vegetable fibers like jute or sisal via lab testing, as customs measures external surface area

• Document sole composition showing textile has greatest ground contact (per US note 5) to avoid reclassification to non-textile sole subheadings

• Include value declarations and country-of-origin certificates, watching for undervaluation pitfalls in low-price footwear