Plastic Sole Hiking Shoes
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6404112030 | 20.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6402999005 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6402919005 | 30.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6403996040 | 18.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6403916040 | 18.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Plastic Sole Hiking Shoes (Synthetic Footwear for Outdoor Trails)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Plastic Sole Hiking Shoes"?
"Hiking Shoes" with plastic (synthetic/rubber/polymer) soles are a specialized category of outdoor footwear. In international trade, they are not classified under general footwear (like leather or textile shoes) but under specific subheadings based on the upper material and sole composition.
Key Distinction:
- Upper Material: Usually synthetic leather, textile, or nylon mesh.
- Sole Material: Defined as "Plastic" or "Rubber/Plastic" in customs terminology (including EVA, TPU, rubber compounds).
- Purpose: Designed for traction, waterproofing, and ankle support on rough terrain.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the sole is made of plastic (including rubber, which customs often groups with plastic for Chapter 64), and the upper is of textile material β 6404.11.00
- If the sole is plastic but the upper is of leather/rubber/plastic β 6404.19.00 or 6404.20.00
- Note: Most modern hiking shoes have textile uppers (mesh/nylon) for breathability, making 6404.11.00 the most common code.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Upper Material | Sole Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6404.11.00.00 |
Shoes with outer soles of rubber, plastic, or textile materials and uppers of textile materials | Most Common: Lightweight hiking shoes, trail runners, mesh uppers | Textile (Nylon/Mesh) | Rubber/Plastic |
6404.19.00.00 |
Other shoes with outer soles of rubber, plastic, or textile materials and uppers of textile materials | Less common: Textile uppers with non-standard soles | Textile | Rubber/Plastic |
6404.20.00.00 |
Shoes with outer soles of rubber or plastic, uppers of leather or of composition leather | Premium Hiking Boots: Leather upper with rubber/plastic sole | Leather/Composite Leather | Rubber/Plastic |
6402.19.00.00 |
Footwear with outer soles of rubber or plastics; footwear covering the ankle | Rain boots, waterproof hiking boots (if upper is plastic/rubber) | Rubber/Plastic | Rubber/Plastic |
6405.20.00.00 |
Other footwear with outer soles of rubber or plastics, uppers of textile materials | Casual textile shoes (NOT for hiking) | Textile | Rubber/Plastic |
π Key Reminder:
- "Plastic Sole" in customs includes Rubber, EVA, TPU, and Synthetic Compounds.
- Textile Uppers (Mesh/Nylon) are critical for choosing between6404.11and6404.20.
- If the upper is leather, do NOT use6404.11; use6404.20instead.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 6404.11.00.00 ββ Shoes with Textile Uppers & Plastic/Rubber Soles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | +10% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 for most textile-based footwear) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% (Targeting China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:6404.11.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 10% USITC tax applies to footwear with textile uppers.
- The 10% IEEPA tax is the new China-specific surcharge.
- Total 20% is significantly lower than leather footwear (which can be 20%+15%=35%+).
- Note: If the shoe is classified as "Rubber Sole" but with Leather Upper, the rate is higher (see below).
π― 2. 6404.20.00.00 ββ Shoes with Leather/Composition Leather Uppers & Plastic/Rubber Soles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 20% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | +15% (Footnote 9903.88.01 for leather-based footwear) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% (Targeting China/HK products) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:6404.20.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- If your hiking shoe has a leather upper (even if it's synthetic leather classified as "composition leather"), the tariff is much higher.
- Strategy: If possible, design hiking shoes with Textile/Nylon Uppers to qualify for6404.11.00(20% total) instead of6404.20.00(45% total).
π― 3. 6402.19.00.00 ββ Rubber/Plastic Upper Footwear (e.g., Waterproof Boots)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | +10% (Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 23.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 23.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
π Note:
- This code is for fully plastic/rubber boots (e.g., rain boots, mud boots).
- Standard hiking shoes with textile uppers should NOT use this code.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material breakdown: Upper (Textile/Leather/Plastic), Sole (Rubber/Plastic/EVA), Lining |
| β Material Composition Report | βοΈ | % of Textile vs. Leather vs. Plastic in upper |
| β Product Photos (Clear) | βοΈ | Show sole, upper, interior, and labels |
| β Third-Party Test Reports | βοΈ | CPSIA (if for kids), Prop 65 (CA), REACH (EU) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Hiking Shoes, Textile Upper, Plastic/Rubber Sole" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Quantity per box, total pairs |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Upper Defines Code, Sole Defines Chapter, Textile is King for Low Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Textile Upper + Plastic Sole | 6404.11.00.00 |
Misdeclare as Leather β 45% Tax |
| Leather Upper + Plastic Sole | 6404.20.00.00 |
Misdeclare as Textile β Audit & Penalty |
| Fully Rubber/Plastic Boot | 6402.19.00.00 |
Misdeclare as Hiking Shoe β 23.7% vs 0% base |
| Casual Slip-on (Textile) | 6405.20.00.00 |
Misdeclare as Hiking β Different Inspection |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material Upper | If >50% textile β 6404.11.00; if >50% leather β 6404.20.00 |
| Waterproof Membrane (Gore-Tex) | Still classified by Outer Material. If outer is textile β 6404.11.00 |
| Kids' Hiking Shoes | Same code, but ensure CPSIA Compliance |
| Sample Units | Declare as "Sample" but still subject to tariffs if value > $800 |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6404.11.00.00 |
20% (Textile Upper) | FCC (if electronic), Prop 65 | Higher than EU, lower than Leather |
| π¨π³ China | 6404.11.00.00 |
5% | CCC (if applicable) | No additional taxes |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6404.11.00 |
0% (if GSP/FTA eligible) | CE, REACH, CPSR | Best Market for Textile Footwear |
| π¬π§ UK | 6404.11.00 |
0% (if UK-GPA eligible) | UKCA, REACH | Similar to EU |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6404.11.00 |
5% | RCM | No major surcharges |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes 20% total tariffs on textile-upper hiking shoes.
- EU/UK offer 0% tariffs if origin rules are met (check FTA agreements).
- Strategy: If targeting US, optimize supply chain to reduce cost impact. If targeting EU, leverage FTA benefits.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from the Field)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Plastic Sole" as "Rubber Sole" without specifying material
π Consequence: No major difference, but must be consistent with technical data.
β Mistake 2: Using 6404.11.00 for Leather Upper shoes
π Consequence: 45% Tax applied instead of 20% β Back Tax + Penalty!
β Mistake 3: Not declaring "Hiking" or "Outdoor" purpose in invoice
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify as "Casual Shoes" (6405.20.00.00) β Inspection Delay
β Mistake 4: Ignoring Textile vs. Leather distinction
π Consequence: 25% Tax Difference β Profit Margin Erosion!
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Men's Hiking Shoes, Upper: Nylon Mesh & Synthetic Leather, Sole: Rubber/EVA Composite, Size: 10, Model: TrailPro-X"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification for Maximum Savings!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Textile Upper? 20% Total Tax. Leather Upper? 45% Total Tax. Don't Guess, Specify!"
πΉ "HS Code is King, Tariff Difference is 25%, Wrong Code is Costly!"
π Pro Tip:
If your hiking shoes have Textile Uppers, they enjoy a 20% total tariff in the US.
If they have Leather Uppers, they face 45%.
Recommendation: Design with Textile/Nylon Uppers for US market to save 25% tariff.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Customs Broker + Provide Material Breakdown + Apply for Advance Ruling if unsure
π Ensure your hiking shoes clear customs smoothly, avoid penalties, and protect your profit margin!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved on Tariff is Pure Profit!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.