HS Code 64.02 – Footwear; with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics (excluding waterproof footwear)

HS code 6402 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Footwear; with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics (excluding waterproof footwear). Heading 6402 covers 'Footwear; with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics (excluding waterproof footwear)'. This is a broad and frequently used classification for a vast range of casual, athletic, and fashion footwear. The critical elements are that both the outer sole and the entire upper must be made of rubber or plastics. The crucial exclusion is 'waterproof footwear,' which falls under 6401. Therefore, 6402 encompasses non-waterproof items like plastic sandals, flip-flops, clogs, and many types of athletic or casual shoes where the primary materials for both major components are rubber or synthetic plastics. This heading is incredibly diverse, ranging from inexpensive mass-produced items to technologically advanced athletic footwear. The scope includes footwear assembled by various methods, including stitching, cementing, or molding, as long as the sole and upper material criteria are met and it's not waterproof. For trade compliance, distinguishing between 6401 and 6402 is paramount, relying on whether the footwear is genuinely designed and constructed to be waterproof. Furthermore, differentiating from footwear with textile (6404) or leather (6403) uppers is also key. The prevalence of synthetic materials in modern footwear makes 6402 a high-volume category in international trade, reflecting trends in comfort, affordability, and athletic performance. This heading is a core part of Chapter 64, 'Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles', illustrating its central role in the global footwear market.

Rubber flip-flops, PVC fashion sandals, plastic clogs (e.g., Crocs-style), EVA foam slides, synthetic athletic trainers (all plastic/rubber), casual plastic sneakers, rubber beach shoes, plastic jelly shoes, synthetic deck shoes, non-waterproof plastic boots (fashion), gym shoes with synthetic uppers and soles, plastic house slippers, synthetic espadrilles (non-textile upper), children's plastic play shoes, molded plastic loafers, synthetic court shoes, rubber boat shoes, plastic pool slides, synthetic walking shoes, lightweight plastic fashion boots, rubber shower sandals, plastic garden clogs (non-waterproof), synthetic casual moccasins, plastic slip-on shoes, rubber driving shoes.

The most common misclassification for 6402 is with 6401. If the footwear is genuinely waterproof, it must be classified under 6401, not 6402. Traders often overlook the 'excluding waterproof footwear' clause. Another frequent error is confusing 6402 with 6404 (textile uppers) or 6403 (leather uppers), especially when synthetic materials mimic natural ones. Even if the upper has some textile elements, if the primary material of the upper is rubber or plastic, it might still fall under 6402, but careful examination of the 'more than 50% by surface area' rule for upper material is critical. Very simple plastic footwear intended for play, if clearly identifiable as toys, might fall under Chapter 95, but this is rare for functional footwear.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6402 in UN Comtrade data were China ($22.1B, 47% of world exports), Vietnam (about $7.7B) and Germany ($3.0B). World exports came to about $47.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6402 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.4B, 16% of world imports), Germany ($3.6B) and France ($1.9B). World imports came to about $40.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 6402 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 64 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (64) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.