HS Code for Athletic shoes
Athletic shoes with synthetic uppers are classified under HS code 6402.19. This classification falls under Chapter 64, which deals with footwear. Heading 6402 is designated for footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics. Within this heading, the 6402.1x series is reserved for sports footwear. Specifically, 6402.19 covers sports footwear other than ski-boots or snowboard boots. The primary determining factor for this classification is the material of the upper. If the upper is made of a polymer, such as PVC or polyurethane, or rubber, it falls here. This distinguishes it from leather footwear (6403) or textile footwear (6404). The construction must also be intended for athletic use, featuring characteristics like specialized traction, support, or cushioning required for sports, rather than general casual wear. This code is widely used for modern performance footwear, as most contemporary athletic shoes utilize advanced synthetic materials for weight reduction and durability.
Products Included
- Synthetic running shoes with rubber soles
- Plastic-upper soccer cleats and turf shoes
- Synthetic basketball shoes
- Training shoes with rubber or plastic uppers
- Gymnastics shoes with plastic uppers
Common Misclassification
Athletic shoes are often misclassified under 6404.11 if the upper is made of textile (canvas or mesh) rather than plastic or rubber. They are also frequently confused with 6403.19, which is reserved for shoes with genuine leather uppers. Another common mistake is classifying them under 6402.99, which is for general-purpose plastic footwear (like casual sandals or clogs) that does not meet the technical definition of "sports footwear." Accurate material identification of the upper is the most critical step in avoiding these errors.
FAQ
What is the HS code for athletic shoes?
The HS code for athletic shoes with uppers made of rubber or plastics is 6402.19.
What if the shoe is made of both textile and plastic?
Classification is determined by the material that covers the greatest external surface area of the upper, excluding reinforcements or ornaments.
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Athletic shoes?
The HS code for Athletic shoes is 640219 (Sports footwear; (other than ski-boots, snowboard boots or cross-country ski footwear), with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics).
How do I classify Athletic shoes for customs?
Athletic shoes is classified under HS code 640219 — Sports footwear; (other than ski-boots, snowboard boots or cross-country ski footwear), with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code for Athletic shoes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 640219 for Athletic shoes is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.