CHAPTER 64 · LEGAL NOTES
Chapter 64
The 114 legal notes below govern classification under Chapter 64. They are part of the official Harmonized Tariff Schedule and are cited verbatim in CBP rulings.
As of June 9, 2026
Chapter notes
Note 1
Chapter Note 1: This chapter does not cover: (a) Disposable foot or shoe coverings of flimsy material (for example, paper, sheeting of plastics) without applied soles. These products are classified according to their constituent material; (b) Footwear of textile material, without an outer sole glued, sewn or otherwise affixed or applied to the upper (section XI); (c) Worn footwear of heading 6309; (d) Articles of asbestos (heading 6812); (e) Orthopedic footwear or other orthopedic appliances, or parts thereof (heading 9021)1/ ; or (f) Toy footwear or skating boots with ice or roller skates attached; shin-guards or similar protective sportswear (chapter 95).
Note 2
Chapter Note 2: For the purposes of heading 6406, the term "parts" does not include pegs, protectors, eyelets, hooks, buckles, ornaments, braid, laces, pompons or other trimmings (which are to be classified in their appropriate headings) or buttons or other goods of heading
Note 3
Chapter Note 3: For the purposes of this chapter: (a) the terms "rubber" and "plastics" include woven fabrics or other textile products with an external layer of rubber or plastics being visible to the naked eye; for the purpose of this provision, no account should be taken of any resulting change of color; and (b) the term "leather" refers to the goods of headings 4107 and 4112 to 4114.
Note 4
Chapter Note 4: Subject to note 3 to this chapter: (a) The material of the upper shall be taken to be the constituent material having the greatest external surface area, no account being taken of accessories or reinforcements such as ankle patches, edging, ornamentation, buckles, tabs, eyelet stays or similar attachments; (b) The constituent material of the outer sole shall be taken to be the material having the greatest surface area in contact with the ground, no account being taken of accessories or reinforcements such as spikes, bars, nails, protectors or similar attachments.
Additional U.S. notes
Note 1
Additional U.S. Note 1: For the purposes of this chapter: (a) The term "welt footwear" means footwear constructed with a welt, which extends around the edge of the tread portion of the sole, and in which the welt and shoe upper are sewed to a lip on the surface of the insole, and the outsole of which is sewed or cemented to the welt; 1/ See heading 9817.64.01.
Note 12
Additional U.S. Note 12: 5%1/ 1 Unit Rates of Duty of Quantity Article Description Stat. Suffix Heading/ Subheading 1 2 General Special Other footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics: 6402 Other footwear:
Note 2
Additional U.S. Note 2: For the purposes of this chapter, the term "tennis shoes, basketball shoes, gym shoes, training shoes and the like" covers athletic footwear other than sports footwear (as defined in subheading note 1 above), whether or not principally used for such athletic games or purposes.
Note 2
Additional U.S. Note 2: For the purposes of statistical reporting numbers 6402.91.4063, 6402.99.3173, 6405.20.3070, 6405.20.9070 and 6405.90.9030, the term "footwear for infants" cover American infant sizes up to and including size 3. Unit Rates of Duty of Quantity Article Description Stat. Suffix Heading/ Subheading 1 2 General Special Waterproof footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics, the uppers of which are neither fixed to the sole nor assembled by stitching, riveting, nailing, screwing, plugging or similar processes: 6401
Note 3
Additional U.S. Note 3: For the purposes of heading 6401 "waterproof footwear" means footwear specified in the heading, designed to protect against penetration by water or other liquids, whether or not such footwear is primarily designed for such purposes.
Note 4
Additional U.S. Note 4: Provisions of subheading 6406.10 for "formed uppers" cover uppers, with closed bottoms, which have been shaped by lasting, molding or otherwise but not by simply closing at the bottom.
Note 5
Additional U.S. Note 5: For the purposes of determining the constituent material of the outer sole pursuant to note 4(b) of this chapter, no account shall be taken of textile materials which do not possess the characteristics usually required for normal use of an outer sole, including durability and strength.
Note 6
Additional U.S. Note 6: For the purposes of subheadings 6402.91.42 and 6402.99.32, the term "protective active footwear" means footwear (other than footwear described in subheading note 1) that is designed for outdoor activities, such as hiking shoes, trekking shoes, running shoes, and trail running shoes, the foregoing valued at over $24/pair and which provides protection against water that is imparted by the use of a coated or laminated textile fabric.
Statistical notes
Note 1
Statistical Note 1: For the purposes of this chapter: (a) The expression "work footwear" encompasses, in addition to footwear having a metal toe-cap, specialized footwear for men or for women that: - has outer soles of rubber or plastics, and - is of a kind designed for use by persons employed in occupations, such as those related to the agricultural, construction, industrial, public safety and transportation sectors, that are not conducive to the use of casual, dress, or similar lightweight footwear, and - has special features to protect against hazards in the workplace (e.g., resistance to chemicals, compression, grease, oil, penetration, slippage, or static-buildup).
Subheading notes
Note 1
Subheading Note 1: For the purposes of subheadings 6402.12, 6402.19, 6403.12, 6403.19 and 6404.11, the expression "sports footwear" applies only to: (a) Footwear which is designed for a sporting activity and has, or has provision for the attachment of spikes, sprigs, cleats, stops, clips, bars or the like; (b) Skating boots, ski-boots and cross-country ski footwear, snowboard boots, wrestling boots, boxing boots and cycling shoes.
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Classify under Chapter 64 with confidence
TariffLens applies the legal notes above automatically when classifying — citing the relevant note in every GRI reasoning chain.