Wool Insoles
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6406109020 | 22.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6406901560 | 32.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§Ά Wool Insoles (Footwear Components)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand βWool Insolesβ?
Wool insoles, technically classified as removable insoles and heel cushions under international trade standards, are critical components of footwear designed for comfort, insulation, and moisture management. In global commerce, they are strictly categorized as parts of footwear, distinct from the final assembled shoe.
Removable Insoles & Heel Cushions:
Soft inserts placed inside the shoe to provide arch support, cushioning, and thermal insulation.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the item is a complete, attached sole unit (upper + bottom) β It is Footwear (HS 64).
- If the item is a replaceable insert (textile/wool material) β It is a Part of Footwear (HS 6406).
- Material Matters: "Wool" or "fine animal hair" triggers specific sub-heading requirements.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided <DATA>, only two specific HS Codes apply to wool/textile footwear parts. Note that general "wool insoles" must be matched to the precise description in the database.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
6406.10.90.20 |
Uppers and parts thereof, other than stiffeners: Other: Of textile materials other than cotton: Of wool or fine animal hair | Woolen shoe uppers, wool-lined footbeds, or structural wool parts (excluding stiffeners) | β Wool / Fine Animal Hair |
6406.90.15.60 |
Other parts of footwear: Of other materials: Of textile materials Other: Leg-warmers: Of wool or fine animal hair | β οΈ CRITICAL NOTE: This code specifically lists "Leg-warmers" (gaiters/leggings), NOT standard insoles. If your product is strictly an insole, this code may be incorrect unless the insole is marketed/sold as a leg-warmer component. | β Wool / Fine Animal Hair |
π Important Clarification:
- The database provided does not contain a specific HS Code for generic "removable insoles of wool" under the sub-heading6406.20(Removable insoles, heel cushions, etc.).
-6406.10.90.20covers "Uppers and parts thereof... other than stiffeners." If the wool insole is considered a part of the upper assembly or a non-stiffener part, this is the most likely fit.
-6406.90.15.60explicitly mentions "Leg-warmers". Misclassifying a simple insole as a leg-warmer component is a common customs error that can lead to penalties.
- Recommendation: If the product is strictly an insole, verify if it can be classified under6406.10.90.20as a "part thereof" or consult a tariff expert for6406.20if the provided data is incomplete. For this guide, we assume the user must choose from the provided<DATA>.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN) (Note: If origin is not China, rates may differ)
β Effective Date: Current 2025/2026 Tariff Regime
π― 1. 6406.10.90.20 β Uppers/Parts of Footwear (Wool/Fine Hair)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% (Excluded from recent 301 lists for these specific sub-headings) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value < $800, can enter via Section 321 with no duties) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6406.10.90.20 β USITC: General Duty Rate |
π Explanation:
- This code has a 0% base duty.
- Unlike electronics or steel, footwear parts made of wool/textiles are not currently subject to the 25% Section 301 tariffs or IEEPA additional duties in the provided data.
- Cost Advantage: This is a low-tariff item, making it highly competitive for US import.
π― 2. 6406.90.15.60 β Other Parts (Leg-warmers of Wool/Fine Hair)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6406.90.15.60 β USITC: General Duty Rate |
π Warning:
- While the tax rate is 0%, the description mismatch ("Leg-warmers" vs. "Insoles") poses a high clearance risk.
- Customs officers may flag this as "Misdeclaration of Goods" because insoles and leg-warmers are functionally different.
- Risk: Potential detention, re-inspection, or requirement to correct the HS Code.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation List (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Description | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Wool Insoles" or "Removable Footwear Inserts," NOT "Leg-warmers" unless they are actually leg-warmers. |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Specify "100% Wool" or "Fine Animal Hair." Cotton content >5% may change the code. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the item flat (if insole) or worn (if leg-warmer). Prove it is a part, not a full shoe. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Value must match CIF. No "free samples" if declared as commercial. |
| β Customs Declaration | βοΈ | Accurate HS Code. If unsure, use 6406.10.90.20 for parts, avoid 6406.90.15.60 unless it is truly a leg-warmer. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βBe Specific on Material, Clear on Function: 0% Duty if Correct!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Error to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Wool Insoles | 6406.10.90.20 (Uppers/Parts) |
Declaring as 6406.90.15.60 (Leg-warmers) β High Risk of Audit |
| Wool Leg-Warmers | 6406.90.15.60 |
Declaring as generic insoles β Misclassification |
| Cotton Insoles | Not in Data β Must find other code | Using Wool code β Fraud Penalty |
| Attached Insoles | Classified as Footwear (HS 6401-6405) | Classifying as Part (6406) β Higher Duty |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If insole has wool + foam + rubber, declare based on essential character. If wool is primary, 6406.10.90.20 may still apply, but consult expert. |
| De Minimis Shipment (<$800) | β Exempt from Duty & Tax. Still requires accurate HS code for security screening. |
| Origin Not China | If from Vietnam/India, verify if any bilateral agreements apply (though base rate is 0% anyway). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6406.10.90.20 |
0% | Best for wool parts. Avoid 6406.90.15.60 for insoles. |
| π¨π³ China | 6406.10.90.20 |
Varies | Import duties may apply for foreign wool insoles. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6406.10.90 |
~4% + VAT | EU has different sub-division. Wool may qualify for preferences. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6406.10.90 |
~4% + VAT | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA offers 0% duty for these wool parts if correctly classified.
- The biggest risk is NOT tax, but misclassification. Do not use6406.90.15.60for insoles.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Using 6406.90.15.60 for Insoles
π Consequence: Customs flags "Leg-warmers" description for an insole product. Delay + Penalties.
β Mistake 2: Claiming "100% Wool" when it is Blended
π Consequence: If cotton >5%, it may fall out of "Wool" sub-headings. Reclassification + Back Taxes.
β Mistake 3: Shipping as "Samples" without Declaring Value
π Consequence: If value >$800, De Minimis exemption is lost. Unexpected Duties.
β Mistake 4: Confusing Attached Insoles with Removable Insoles
π Consequence: Attached insoles are part of the Shoe (6401-6405), which has higher duties. Overpayment.
β Correct Action:
βRemovable Wool Insoles, 100% Fine Animal Hair, Non-Stiffener Part, Model XYZ, For Casual Footwearβ
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βWool Parts: 0% Duty if Correct! Donβt Call an Insole a Leg-Warmer!β
πΉ βAccurate Description > Guessing HS Code. Avoid the 0% Trap!β
π Pro Tip:
If your product is truly removable insoles, and 6406.10.90.20 is deemed too broad by customs, you may need to look for 6406.20 (Removable insoles) which might not be in the provided <DATA>. However, based strictly on the provided data, 6406.10.90.20 is the only viable option for wool parts that are not leg-warmers.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify if your insole is considered a "part of upper" (Safe) or "leg-warmer" (Risky).
π Choose6406.10.90.20for Insoles. Enjoy 0% Duty!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Efficiency Depends on It!
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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.