6402.12.00.00 - Ski-boots, cross-country ski footwear and snowboard boots

This HTS category, 6402.12.00.00, specifically encompasses specialized sports footwear designed for winter activities. It includes ski-boots, footwear intended for cross-country skiing, and snowboard boots. The defining characteristic of these items is their construction with outer soles and uppers made primarily of rubber or plastics, providing both support and insulation crucial for performance and protection in snowy environments.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 6402.19 (Other), is the precise nature of the sports footwear. While 6402.19 would cover other types of sports footwear with rubber or plastic construction that are not ski, cross-country ski, or snowboard boots, 6402.12.00.00 is dedicated to these specific winter sport applications. The functionality and design elements inherent in ski and snowboard boots, such as rigid support structures, specialized bindings, and advanced waterproofing, set them apart.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories under 6402.12.00.00. Therefore, classification within this code is final for goods meeting the description of ski-boots, cross-country ski footwear, and snowboard boots with rubber or plastic outer soles and uppers. Importers and exporters should ensure that the footwear’s primary intended use and material composition align precisely with these specific winter sport applications to correctly apply this classification.