Your sneakers have a customs identity
No. A broker needs more than “sneakers.” Material of the upper and sole, coverage of the ankle, protective features, and intended use can steer footwear into different tariff provisions.
The four-step journey
See why the upper, outer sole, construction, use, value, and origin can change the customs treatment of imported footwear.
- Product specs arrive
- Footwear features are classified
- Origin and value are declared
- Entry is reviewed and released
What the broker checks
- Upper and sole materials
- Athletic, protective, or everyday use
- Country of origin and any additional tariffs
Why it matters
Good product data is a duty-control system. A vague description forces questions precisely when the shipment is already moving.
- Upper: The part of a shoe above the sole.
- Classification: The process of selecting the correct tariff provision.
Official sources
- USITC — Harmonized Tariff Schedule
- CBP — Customs Rulings Online Search System
- 19 CFR Part 134 — Country-of-Origin Marking