HS Code 64.03 – Footwear; with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of leather

HS code 6403 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Footwear; with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of leather. Heading 6403 is a significant classification in the footwear sector, covering 'Footwear; with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of leather'. This heading encompasses a vast array of footwear, from formal dress shoes and sturdy work boots to fashionable casual and athletic shoes, as long as the defining characteristic—a leather upper—is met. The outer sole can be made from a variety of materials, including rubber, various plastics, natural leather, or composition leather, offering considerable flexibility in design and function. The scope is broad, reflecting the enduring popularity and versatility of leather as a primary material for shoe uppers due to its durability, breathability, and aesthetic appeal. This heading includes footwear for men, women, and children, across all seasons and occasions. For trade compliance, the critical factor is verifying that the upper is indeed made of leather. This often requires expert knowledge to differentiate genuine leather from synthetic alternatives or composition leather, especially when only a small part of the upper is non-leather. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duties, penalties, and customs delays. Historically, leather footwear has been a cornerstone of shoe manufacturing, representing craftsmanship and quality. This heading is centrally positioned within Chapter 64, 'Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles', underscoring its importance in global trade of finished footwear.

Men's leather dress shoes, women's leather high heels, leather ankle boots, leather work boots, leather hiking boots, leather sneakers, leather loafers, leather sandals (with leather uppers), leather moccasins, leather boat shoes, leather golf shoes, leather riding boots, leather casual shoes, children's leather school shoes, leather oxfords, leather brogues, leather Chelsea boots, leather chukka boots, leather derby shoes, leather mary janes, leather formal slippers, leather driving shoes, leather athletic walking shoes, leather court shoes, leather safety boots (with leather uppers).

A common mistake when classifying under 6403 is confusing it with 6404 ('Footwear; with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of textile materials'). The crucial distinction is the material of the upper: leather for 6403, textile for 6404. Traders might misclassify synthetic leather as genuine leather, leading to incorrect duties. Another error is confusing it with 6402 (rubber/plastic uppers) when the leather upper is minimal or combined with significant synthetic elements. Customs authorities often scrutinize the 'more than 50% by surface area' rule for the upper material. Also, footwear where the upper is primarily 'composition leather' (reconstituted leather) can sometimes be confused with genuine leather, though both fall under 6403; subheadings may differentiate.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6403 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $11.3B, 19% of world exports), Italy ($8.4B) and China ($7.0B). World exports came to about $60.8B, 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 6403 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11.4B, 20% of world imports), Germany ($6.0B) and France ($4.1B). World imports came to about $58.5B, 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 6403 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 64 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (64) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.