Men's Polyester Mesh Slip-Ons from Japan
Casual slip-on shoes for men with breathable polyester mesh uppers (synthetic textile) and outer soles featuring textile as the primary ground-contact material. Valued at $4-$6/pair, these everyday shoes meet 6404.19.77 criteria as the textile sole material qualifies under chapter notes, ignoring non-durable elements.
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%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 equal to or greater than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Label fiber content accurately per FTC rules; synthetic blends must specify non-vegetable fibers to avoid reclassification
• Submit sole cross-section diagrams or photos proving textile dominance in ground contact; pitfalls include rubber inserts misread as primary
• Ensure valuation excludes retail packaging; CBP often scrutinizes low-value claims for this subheading