Product classification
HS code for Textile footwear: 6405.20
Footwear, with uppers of textile materials, n.e.c. in chapter 64.
Classification of textile footwear under HS 6405.20
The classification of textile footwear under HS code 640520 is determined by a process of elimination within Chapter 64 of the Harmonized System. This specific code is designated for footwear that features uppers made of textile materials but does not fall under the more specific headings of 6401 through 6404. According to the General Interpretative Rules and the Chapter Notes, footwear is classified based on the material of the outer sole and the upper. Heading 6404 covers footwear with textile uppers and soles made of rubber, plastics, leather, or composition leather. Therefore, 640520 is reserved for footwear where the upper is textile, but the outer sole is made of other materials, such as cork, wood, or even certain types of heavy-duty felt or non-traditional composites. It also captures footwear that does not meet the specific definitions of 'sports footwear' or 'orthopedic footwear' found in other subheadings. The textile upper must be the component that covers the greatest surface area of the foot, excluding reinforcements or ornaments like patches or piping. This classification requires a detailed laboratory analysis of the sole composition to ensure it does not contain enough rubber or plastic to be classified elsewhere.
- Covers
- Espadrilles with hemp or jute soles
- House slippers with textile uppers and felt soles
- Decorative footwear with wooden soles and fabric straps
- Traditional textile shoes with cork outer soles
- Disposable textile slippers used in hotels
- Also under 6405.20
- Haflinger Wool Slippers (felt sole)
- some traditional espadrilles (rope sole, not rubber/plastic)
- specific textile house shoes with non-synthetic soles
- Glerups Felt Slippers (textile upper, felt sole)
Codes often confused with 6405.20
Common mistake. Textile footwear is frequently misclassified under HS code 6404.11 or 6404.19. The distinction lies entirely in the sole material. If the sole is rubber or plastic, it must be classified under 6404. Another common error involves HS code 6402, which is for footwear with both uppers and soles of rubber or plastic. Importers often confuse synthetic textile uppers with plastic uppers, leading to incorrect filings. Additionally, if the footwear has an outer sole of leather, it must be classified under 6403, regardless of the textile upper.
Top exporters and importers of HS 640520 (the code used for textile footwear), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 640520 (the code used for textile footwear) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 640520, not only textile footwear.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $487M 55% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$59M 6.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $30M 3.4% of world exports
World total: $879M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $241M 19% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $142M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $109M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 textile footwear
Brazil classifies textile footwear under NCM 6405.20.00: HS 6405.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about textile footwear
What is the HS code for Textile footwear?
The HS code for Textile footwear is 640520 (Footwear; with uppers of textile materials, n.e.c. in chapter 64). The primary HS code for footwear with textile uppers and soles made of materials other than rubber, plastic, or leather is 640520. If the sole is rubber or plastic, the code is usually 6404.19.
How do I classify Textile footwear for customs?
Textile footwear is classified under HS code 640520 — Footwear; with uppers of textile materials, n.e.c. in chapter 64. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the upper material determined for classification?
The upper material is determined by the constituent material having the greatest external surface area. For 640520, this must be a textile material, such as canvas, felt, or knitted fabric, excluding any accessories or reinforcements.
Which countries are the top exporters of textile footwear (HS 640520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 640520 (the code used for textile footwear) in UN Comtrade data were China ($487M, 55% of world exports), Vietnam (about $59M) and the Netherlands ($30M). World exports came to about $879M, 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 textile footwear (HS 640520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 640520 (the code used for textile footwear) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($241M, 19% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($142M) and the United Kingdom ($109M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Textile footwear the same in all countries?
The base HS code 640520 for Textile footwear 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 textile footwear in Brazil?
In Brazil, textile footwear (HS 640520) is classified under NCM 6405.20.00.