Product classification
HS code for Waterproof safety boots: 6401.10
Footwear, waterproof with metal toe-cap, rubber or plastic outer soles and uppers (not assembled by stitch, rivet, nail, screw, plug or similar).
Classification of waterproof safety boots under HS 6401.10
HS code 6401.10 is a highly specific classification for waterproof footwear that incorporates a protective metal toe-cap. To qualify for heading 6401, the footwear must meet two primary criteria: it must be waterproof, and the outer soles and uppers must be made of rubber or plastics. Furthermore, the uppers must not be fixed to the sole nor assembled by processes such as stitching, riveting, nailing, or screwing. This usually implies that the boots are manufactured through molding, injection, or vulcanization as a single piece or joined by thermal welding. The subheading 6401.10 is further narrowed by the requirement of a metal toe-cap, designed to protect the wearer from impact or crushing injuries in industrial environments. This classification is a "legal" definition of waterproof; even if a leather boot is treated with chemicals to repel water, it cannot be classified under 6401 because its construction involves stitching and its material is not rubber/plastic. This code is vital for industrial safety equipment importers who must distinguish between general-purpose rain boots and heavy-duty protective gear. Compliance with this code often requires testing documentation to prove the presence of the metal cap and the integrity of the waterproof seal.
- Covers
- Steel-toe rubber wellington boots
- PVC safety boots with metal toe-caps
- Molded nitrile safety boots
- Waterproof chemical-resistant safety boots
- Injection-molded polyurethane safety footwear
- Also under 6401.10
- Dunlop Purofort Thermo+ Safety Boots
- Tingley Pilot G2 Steel Toe Boots
- Muck Boot Chore Steel Toe
- Servus SuperFit Steel Toe Boots
- Honeywell Ranger Safety Boots
Codes often confused with 6401.10
Common mistake. These boots are often misclassified under 6401.92 if the customs broker overlooks the metal toe-cap. Conversely, they are misclassified under 6403.40 if they are safety boots made of leather. Another common error is using 6402.91, which covers other footwear with rubber/plastic uppers but which are assembled by stitching or other non-waterproof methods. It is the combination of material, assembly method, and the metal cap that defines 6401.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 640110 (the code used for waterproof safety boots), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 640110 (the code used for waterproof safety boots) in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.5% 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 640110, not only waterproof safety boots.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Philippines $63M 19% of world exports
- 2 China $54M 16% of world exports
- 3 Portugal $33M 10% of world exports
World total: $325M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $24M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 United States $23M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 France $20M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $283M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 waterproof safety boots
Brazil classifies waterproof safety boots under NCM 6401.10.00: HS 6401.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about waterproof safety boots
What is the HS code for Waterproof safety boots?
The HS code for Waterproof safety boots is 640110 (Footwear; waterproof with metal toe-cap, rubber or plastic outer soles and uppers (not assembled by stitch, rivet, nail, screw, plug or similar)). The HS code for waterproof rubber or plastic boots with a metal toe-cap is 6401.10.
How do I classify Waterproof safety boots for customs?
Waterproof safety boots is classified under HS code 640110 — Footwear; waterproof with metal toe-cap, rubber or plastic outer soles and uppers (not assembled by stitch, rivet, nail, screw, plug or similar). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are composite toe boots classified here?
No, 6401.10 specifically requires a "metal" toe-cap. Boots with composite or plastic safety toes would typically fall under other subheadings of 6401, such as 6401.92 or 6401.99.
Which countries are the top exporters of waterproof safety boots (HS 640110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 640110 (the code used for waterproof safety boots) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($63M, 19% of world exports), China ($54M) and Portugal ($33M). World exports came to about $325M, 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 waterproof safety boots (HS 640110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 640110 (the code used for waterproof safety boots) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($24M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($23M) and France ($20M). World imports came to about $283M, 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 Waterproof safety boots the same in all countries?
The base HS code 640110 for Waterproof 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 waterproof safety boots in Brazil?
In Brazil, waterproof safety boots (HS 640110) is classified under NCM 6401.10.00.