Effective Duty Rate
6%–37.5% MFN; GSP suspension removed preferences for some footwear
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Medium
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
CBP, CPSC, FTC
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Footwear, Shoes & Shoe Components from India
Importing footwear from India into the United States carries medium compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 6%–37.5% MFN; GSP suspension removed preferences for some footwear. Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (25% / 10%) apply to relevant footwear sub-categories — verify your HTS code against current Section 232 annexes before entry.
Footwear imported from India to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — India Origin
India exports leather footwear, sandals, and handcrafted shoes. High MFN rates limit competitiveness. Agra and Chennai are major footwear production clusters.
SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT
Estimated Landed Cost: Footwear from India
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component |
Amount |
Notes |
| Cargo Value (CIF) |
$50,000.00 |
Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (6.0%) |
$3,000.00 |
MFN column, Schedule B |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) |
$173.20 |
Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) |
$62.50 |
Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees |
$3,235.70 |
Effective rate: 6.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost |
$53,235.70 |
Cargo + all US duties/fees |
⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to footwear sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Footwear Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to footwear imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 6403 |
Footwear with Rubber/Plastic Soles & Leather Uppers |
5%–20% MFN |
| 6402 |
Footwear with Rubber or Plastic Outer Soles & Uppers |
6%–37.5% MFN |
| 6404 |
Footwear with Rubber/Plastic Soles & Textile Uppers |
7.5%–37.5% MFN |
| 6405 |
Other Footwear (wood, cork, specialty materials) |
7.5%–12.5% MFN |
| 6406 |
Parts of Footwear (insoles, outsoles, heels, uppers) |
0%–6.2% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — INDIA ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for India-Origin Footwear
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All India-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 |
Not applicable |
India-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) |
25% steel / 10% aluminum |
Steel and aluminum imports from India |
COMPLIANCE — CBP / CPSC / FTC
US Compliance Requirements for Footwear Imports
Regardless of origin country, footwear imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- CBP country of origin marking — footwear must be individually marked with country of manufacture; label must be permanent and conspicuous per 19 CFR 134.13
- FTC textile and leather labeling requirements — material composition labels required (e.g., "Genuine Leather Upper, Rubber Sole")
- CPSC children's footwear safety standards under CPSIA — lead content limits (100 ppm total lead) and phthalate limits for children's shoes size 12.5 and below
- California Prop 65 compliance for footwear containing listed chemicals (formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium from leather tanning)
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your footwear import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs India.
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Footwear from India
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs India. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with material composition (upper, sole, lining) and construction method
2
Packing List with sizes, styles, and quantities per style
4
Country of Origin Declaration
5
CPSC Children's Product Certificate with test reports (children's footwear)
6
Material composition certificates from manufacturer
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Footwear from India
25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–12 days (truck from Mexico)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
18–35 days ocean from Asia/origin
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Footwear from India
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing footwear from India?
The effective US tariff rate for footwear from India is: 6%–37.5% MFN; GSP suspension removed preferences for some footwear. India exports leather footwear, sandals, and handcrafted shoes. High MFN rates limit competitiveness. Agra and Chennai are major footwear production clusters.
What compliance agencies regulate footwear imports from India?
Footwear imports require compliance with: CBP, CPSC, FTC. Specific requirements include: CBP country of origin marking — footwear must be individually marked with country of manufacture; label must be permanent and conspicuous per 19 CFR 134.13 and FTC textile and leather labeling requirements — material composition labels required (e.g., "Genuine Leather Upper, Rubber Sole").
What documents are required to import footwear from India?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with material composition (upper, sole, lining) and construction method; Packing List with sizes, styles, and quantities per style; Bill of Lading; Country of Origin Declaration. Additional: CPSC Children's Product Certificate with test reports (children's footwear); Material composition certificates from manufacturer. Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs India.
How long does customs clearance take for footwear from India?
Typical timeline: 25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–12 days (truck from Mexico). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on footwear from India?
No Section 301 tariffs apply to India-origin goods. Section 232 applies: 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum products from India.
Why are US tariff rates on footwear among the highest in the tariff schedule?
US footwear tariffs reflect protectionist rates dating to 1930 Smoot-Hawley era policies that were never fully liberalized. Leather footwear (HTS 6403): 8.5%–37.5% MFN depending on gender and construction. Athletic/sports footwear (6404.11): 20% MFN. Rubber-soled sandals (6402.99): 15%–37.5% MFN. Work boots with protective metal toes (6403.40): 37.5% MFN. These high base rates — combined with 25% Section 301 for China-origin goods — create effective duties exceeding 60% for some Chinese footwear categories. This has driven massive supply chain diversification to Vietnam and Indonesia.
What labeling and CPSC compliance requirements apply to imported footwear?
Footwear labeling requirements include: country of origin label (CBP requirement, prominently displayed), fiber content labeling for textile components (FTC Textile Products Identification Act), and shoe size in US measurements. Children's footwear is subject to CPSC regulations — lead content limits apply to all children's products. Any footwear with electrical or electronic components (heated insoles, LED lights) requires CPSC certification and may require FCC authorization. Athletic footwear marketed for specific sports may need to meet additional ASTM safety standards.
How do Chapter 98 US goods returned provisions work for footwear manufacturing?
Chapter 98 of the HTS provides duty preferences for US goods exported for processing abroad and returned. HTS 9802.00.80 allows a duty reduction on the US-origin components incorporated into footwear made overseas — only the foreign-added value is dutiable, not the US components. This provision incentivizes "cut-and-assemble" manufacturing arrangements where US-origin uppers, components, or materials are exported, assembled into footwear abroad, and returned. Importers must document the US-origin components and their value to claim the Chapter 98 deduction at entry.
How did the 2019 GSP suspension affect Indian imports and does GSP still apply?
The US suspended India's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits in June 2019. GSP has not been reinstated as of 2026 — Indian goods that previously entered at 0% under GSP now pay full MFN rates. Key affected sectors include textiles, chemicals, plastics, and light manufacturing. Despite higher duties, India remains competitive due to low production costs and a growing manufacturing base.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on goods imported from India?
India is not subject to Section 301 tariffs (which are China-specific). Section 232 applies to Indian steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) imports unless an exemption or TRQ arrangement is in place. Check the most current Section 232 proclamation annexes for India's current status — arrangements have changed over time and may change again.
What is the trade outlook for US-India tariffs given ongoing negotiations?
The US and India have held bilateral trade discussions under the US-India Trade Policy Forum since 2020. As of 2026, no comprehensive FTA has been concluded. Limited sectoral trade packages have been discussed but not finalized. Importers sourcing from India should monitor negotiations closely — a US-India trade deal could materially reduce duties across key categories including textiles, chemicals, and automotive components.
TRADE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.