HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 6406.20 – Footwear; parts, outer soles and heels, of rubber or plastics

HS code 6406.20 is the 6-digit subheading for footwear, parts, outer soles and heels, of rubber or plastics. It is used for rubber outsoles, plastic heels, EVA midsoles (when integrated with outsole), TPU sole units and composite rubber soles.

What HS 6406.20 covers

This code is vital for the global footwear industry, covering the trade of outer soles and heels specifically made from rubber or plastics. These components are often manufactured in specialized facilities and then exported to assembly plants worldwide, particularly in countries with lower labor costs or specific finishing expertise. The international trade in these parts allows footwear brands to standardize sole designs and materials across various product lines, ensuring consistent quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Key players include major sole manufacturers and footwear brands that outsource component production, contributing significantly to the modular and globalized nature of footwear manufacturing.

Covers
  • Rubber outsoles
  • Plastic heels
  • EVA midsoles (when integrated with outsole)
  • TPU sole units
  • Composite rubber soles
  • Wedge heels (rubber/plastic)
Examples

Vibram rubber soles, Nike Air Max sole units, Adidas Boost midsoles (as part of a sole unit), Dr. Martens PVC soles, Crocs Croslite soles (unattached)

Codes often confused with 6406.20

Common mistake. Can be confused with 640610 if parts are mistaken for uppers, or 640690 if they are other footwear parts not specifically uppers or soles/heels.

6406.10Footwear; parts, uppers and parts thereof, other than stiffeners6406.90Footwear; parts, n.e.c. in heading 6406

Top exporters and importers of HS code 640620, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 640620 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 69% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 27% of world imports. Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 69% of its imports here ($69M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.7B
  2. 2 Italy $217M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$127M

World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$594M
  2. 2 Indonesia $184M
  3. 3 Cambodia* ~$151M

Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 69% of its imports here ($69M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 6406.20

Brazil does not split HS 6406.20: its NCM code is 6406.20.00.

  1. 6406.20.00 Rubber or plastic outer soles and heelsSolas exteriores e saltos, de borracha ou plástico

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 64.06 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 6406.20

What is HS code 640620?

HS code 640620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Footwear; parts, outer soles and heels, of rubber or plastics. This code is vital for the global footwear industry, covering the trade of outer soles and heels specifically made from rubber or plastics. These components are often manufactured in specialized facilities and then exported to assembly plants worldwide, particularly in countries with lower labor costs or specific finishing expertise. The international trade in these parts allows footwear brands to standardize sole designs and materials across various product lines, ensuring consistent quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Key players include major sole manufacturers and footwear brands that outsource component production, contributing significantly to the modular and globalized nature of footwear manufacturing.

What products fall under HS code 640620?

Rubber outsoles, plastic heels, EVA midsoles (when integrated with outsole), TPU sole units, composite rubber soles, wedge heels (rubber/plastic)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 640620?

Can be confused with 640610 if parts are mistaken for uppers, or 640690 if they are other footwear parts not specifically uppers or soles/heels.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 640620?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 640620 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 69% of world exports), Italy ($217M) and Vietnam (about $127M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 640620?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 640620 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $594M, 27% of world imports), Indonesia ($184M) and Cambodia (about $151M). World imports came to about $2.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 69% of its imports here ($69M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

How is HS code 640620 structured?

HS code 640620 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (64) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 640620?

In Brazil, HS code 640620 is NCM 6406.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.