About HS Code 6402
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.
Products Under This Code
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.
Real World Examples
A major sporting goods retailer in the United States imports millions of pairs of synthetic athletic shoes, with both rubber soles and plastic uppers, from factories in Vietnam and Indonesia via trans-Pacific shipping routes, classifying them under 6402. A fashion brand in Italy sources trendy PVC sandals and EVA slides from manufacturers in China, transporting them by sea, to be sold in European summer markets. A large discount store chain in Mexico frequently imports bulk shipments of rubber flip-flops and plastic clogs from various Asian countries, utilizing ocean freight for cost-effective distribution across its stores, catering to everyday consumer demand.
Common Misclassification
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.
Subheadings 5
Industry
This code belongs to the Footwear & Headgear industry.
Trade Overview
China, Vietnam, and Indonesia are primary exporters of footwear under 6402, given their massive manufacturing capabilities for synthetic footwear. Major importers include the USA, EU countries, Japan, and Australia, reflecting high consumer demand for affordable and fashionable casual/athletic shoes. Preferential trade agreements (e.g., CPTPP, EU FTAs) can significantly impact import duties, making certain sourcing origins more attractive. However, anti-dumping duties or specific product safety standards (e.g., for phthalates in plastics) can also influence trade flows and compliance requirements for these goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 6402?
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.
What products fall under HS code 6402?
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.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6402?
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.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 6402?
China, Vietnam, and Indonesia are primary exporters of footwear under 6402, given their massive manufacturing capabilities for synthetic footwear. Major importers include the USA, EU countries, Japan, and Australia, reflecting high consumer demand for affordable and fashionable casual/athletic shoes. Preferential trade agreements (e.g., CPTPP, EU FTAs) can significantly impact import duties, making certain sourcing origins more attractive. However, anti-dumping duties or specific product safety standards (e.g., for phthalates in plastics) can also influence trade flows and compliance requirements for these goods.
How is HS code 6402 structured?
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.