Product classification
HS code for Footwear components: 6406.90
Footwear, parts, n.e.c. in heading 6406.
Classification of footwear components under HS 6406.90
Footwear components that are not specifically identified as uppers or outer soles are classified under HS code 6406.90. This is a residual category within heading 6406, which covers parts of footwear. To fall under this code, the items must be recognizable as parts of shoes, boots, or other footwear and must not be finished products themselves. The classification includes a wide array of internal and external components that contribute to the structure, comfort, or protection of the footwear. This includes items like removable insoles, which provide cushioning, and shanks, which provide structural rigidity to the sole. The logic behind this classification is to separate semi-finished components from raw materials. For example, a sheet of rubber is classified by its material in Chapter 40, but a rubber heel cushion shaped for a shoe is classified in 6406.90. This distinction is vital for manufacturers and importers to ensure that the correct duty rates are applied to the specific parts used in the assembly process.
- Covers
- Removable insoles and inner soles
- Heel cushions and lifts
- Internal stiffeners and shanks
- Gaiters, leggings, and similar articles
- Toe caps (unless made of metal, which may fall under 6406.90 depending on regional rules)
- Protective shin guards used as footwear parts
- Also under 6406.90
- Vibram soles
- OrthoLite insoles
- Texon insoles
- BASF shoe components
- YKK zippers for footwear
Codes often confused with 6406.90
Common mistake. Common misclassifications occur with HS code 6406.10 (footwear uppers) and 6406.20 (outer soles and heels). If a part is an upper or a sole, it must be placed in those specific subheadings. Additionally, shoelaces are often misclassified here but are generally classified under 6307.90 as made-up textile articles unless they are made of leather or plastic.
Top exporters and importers of HS 640690 (the code used for footwear components), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 640690 (the code used for footwear components) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 640690, not only footwear components.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.5B 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $329M 8.5% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$276M 7.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$876M 21% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $361M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $328M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $4.1B 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 codes for footwear components
Brazil splits HS 6406.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6406.90.10Leather or composition-leather soles and heels
- 6406.90.20Footwear insoles
- 6406.90.90Other footwear parts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about footwear components
What is the HS code for Footwear components?
The HS code for Footwear components is 640690 (Footwear; parts, n.e.c. in heading 6406). The HS code for general footwear components (excluding uppers and soles) is 6406.90. This includes insoles, shanks, and heel pads.
How do I classify Footwear components for customs?
Footwear components is classified under HS code 640690 — Footwear; parts, n.e.c. in heading 6406. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are metal toe caps classified under 6406.90?
Yes, metal toe caps intended for safety footwear are typically classified under 6406.90 as parts of footwear, though some jurisdictions may have specific sub-entries for metal components.
Which countries are the top exporters of footwear components (HS 640690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 640690 (the code used for footwear components) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 40% of world exports), the United States ($329M) and Vietnam (about $276M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 footwear components (HS 640690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 640690 (the code used for footwear components) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $876M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($361M) and Indonesia ($328M). World imports came to about $4.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Footwear components the same in all countries?
The base HS code 640690 for Footwear components is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for footwear components in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 640690 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for footwear components depends on the product's details: 6406.90.10 (Leather or composition-leather soles and heels), 6406.90.20 (Footwear insoles), 6406.90.90 (Other footwear parts).