Men's Jute Fiber Hiking Sneakers from Japan
These men's sneakers feature uppers primarily made from woven jute vegetable fibers, providing breathability for casual hiking. The outer sole is rubber with a textile material covering the greatest surface area in contact with the ground, qualifying under the specific exclusion of U.S. note 5. Valued between $6.50 and $12 per pair, they are classified in 6404.19.82.30 for men's textile-upper footwear.
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
• Verify upper material is predominantly vegetable fibers like jute or sisal via lab testing to confirm external surface area per Chapter Note 4(a)
• Document sole composition showing textile has greatest ground contact (excluding US Note 5 textiles) and value certification to avoid misclassification