Product classification
HS code for Safety boots: 6403.40
Footwear, with metal toe-cap, outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather, uppers of leather.
Classification of safety boots under HS 6403.40
Safety boots featuring leather uppers and protective metal toe-caps are classified under HS code 6403.40. This classification follows the hierarchical structure of Chapter 64, which covers footwear. Heading 6403 is reserved for footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather, or composition leather and uppers of leather. The specific subheading 6403.40 is designated for footwear incorporating a protective metal toe-cap. The classification process requires verifying that the upper material is genuine leather (not synthetic or textile) and that the toe-cap is made of metal (typically steel or aluminum). This code is essential for identifying industrial-grade protective equipment designed to prevent crush injuries in construction, manufacturing, and logistics environments. The presence of the metal toe-cap is the defining technical characteristic that separates this footwear from standard leather boots.
- Covers
- Steel-toe leather work boots
- Industrial safety shoes with metal toe-caps and leather uppers
- Construction boots with reinforced metal toes
- Safety footwear for mining with leather construction
- Protective leather boots for heavy machinery operators
- Also under 6403.40
Timberland PRO Pit Boss, Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger (with safety toe variants), Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe, Dr. Martens Industrial, Keen Utility Pittsburgh
Codes often confused with 6403.40
Common mistake. Safety boots are often misclassified under 6403.91 or 6403.99, which cover other leather footwear without metal toe-caps. Another common error is using 6402.91 for safety boots that have synthetic uppers; if the upper is not leather, it cannot be classified under 6403. Furthermore, boots with composite (non-metal) toe-caps must be classified under 6403.91 or 6403.99, as 6403.40 strictly requires a metal component.
Top exporters and importers of HS 640340 (the code used for safety boots), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 640340 (the code used for safety boots) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 640340, not only safety boots.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $759M 29% of world exports
- 2 Italy $358M 14% of world exports
- 3 Cambodia* ~$158M 6.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $396M 16% of world imports
- 2 Italy $215M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $170M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 safety boots
Brazil classifies safety boots under NCM 6403.40.00: HS 6403.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about safety boots
What is the HS code for Safety boots?
The HS code for Safety boots is 640340 (Footwear; with metal toe-cap, outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather, uppers of leather). The HS code for safety boots with leather uppers and metal toe-caps is 6403.40.
How do I classify Safety boots for customs?
Safety boots is classified under HS code 640340 — Footwear; with metal toe-cap, outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather, uppers of leather. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to boots with plastic or composite toe-caps?
No, HS code 6403.40 is specific to footwear with metal toe-caps. Boots with composite or plastic safety toes are classified under other subheadings of 6403, such as 6403.91 or 6403.99, depending on the height of the boot.
Which countries are the top exporters of safety boots (HS 640340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 640340 (the code used for safety boots) in UN Comtrade data were China ($759M, 29% of world exports), Italy ($358M) and Cambodia (about $158M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 safety boots (HS 640340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 640340 (the code used for safety boots) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($396M, 16% of world imports), Italy ($215M) and the United Kingdom ($170M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for Safety boots the same in all countries?
The base HS code 640340 for Safety boots 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 safety boots in Brazil?
In Brazil, safety boots (HS 640340) is classified under NCM 6403.40.00.