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HS Code for Sports Shoes in India: Import Duty, BIS QCO and Materials
By Abhishek Sadashiv · 16 years of experience in global logistics · Updated 5 October 2026 · 6 min read
Usual HS code for sports shoes (import)
6404 11
Sports and training shoes with rubber or plastic soles and textile uppers. The last two digits depend on the exact upper and sole.
Sports shoes changed a lot for importers once BIS footwear rules came in. Before, the main question was the HS code. Now the first question is whether your manufacturer has a BIS licence, and only then the code.
Both matter, and footwear classification has more traps than people expect. The code depends on the materials of the upper and the outer sole, not on the brand or the price.
The usual HS code: 6404 11
| Level | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 64 | Footwear, gaiters and the like |
| Heading | 6404 | Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics or leather and uppers of textile materials |
| Subheading | 6404 11 | Sports footwear; tennis shoes, basketball shoes, gym shoes, training shoes and the like (rubber or plastic soles) |
Most running, gym and training shoes today have a mesh or knitted textile upper and a rubber or EVA/plastic sole. That's 6404 11. India then splits it into 8-digit lines by material, for example rubber sole with canvas upper, rubber sole with leather cloth upper, and others. A modern knit-upper running shoe often ends up on a different line from a classic canvas sneaker, so I've given 6 digits here.
Why not 6402 or 6403?
The heading follows the upper, so this is where mistakes happen.
- 6402 is for footwear with both upper and sole of rubber or plastics. Many "sports shoes" with synthetic PU or PVC uppers (not textile) belong here, under 6402 19 for sports footwear.
- 6403 is for leather uppers. Classic leather trainers go under 6403 19.
- 6404 19 is for textile-upper shoes that aren't sports or training shoes, like casual canvas slip-ons.
When an upper mixes materials, the one with the largest external surface area decides it. A mesh shoe with synthetic overlays can go either way, and that's exactly where I'd check before booking.
What decides the final classification
- Upper material: textile (6404), rubber or plastic (6402), leather (6403).
- Outer sole material: rubber or plastic vs leather.
- Sports or casual: training and athletic shoes vs fashion sneakers.
- Specialist footwear: ski boots, football boots with studs and skating boots have their own lines.
Not sure which line your sports shoes falls under?
Describe it or snap a photo. EximSetu asks the 2–4 questions that change the code, then gives the 8-digit HS code with reasoning, the duty in rupees and the compliance checklist.
Check my sports shoes →How import duty is worked out
Duty is calculated on the assessable value (CIF in rupees): Basic Customs Duty, then the Social Welfare Surcharge on that duty, then IGST on the total. Footwear duty and even the GST rate have been revised in recent years, sometimes depending on the sale value per pair, so check the current rates for your exact line on the day you file.
Run your exact shoe through a lookup, or use the landed cost calculator to see the real cost per pair.
Compliance checklist for sports shoes
| Requirement | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| BIS footwear QCO | 🔴 Mandatory | Footwear is covered by the Footwear QCOs (leather and other materials; rubber and polymeric materials). Sports footwear standards (IS 15844 parts) are covered. The foreign factory needs a BIS licence and shoes must carry the ISI mark. |
| Old stock window | 🟠 Check | A June 2026 amendment extended the deadline to sell declared older non-BIS stock to 31 July 2027 and exempted R&D samples. This is not a route for new imports. |
| Legal Metrology | 🔴 For retail packs | Importer name and address, MRP, size, month and year of import and customer care details on the box. |
| Brand and IPR checks | 🟠 Check | Copies of well-known sports brands are regularly seized by customs. |
| Accurate material declaration | 🔴 Mandatory | Upper and sole materials on the invoice must match the shoe, since they decide the code. |
🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required
Mistakes that cost importers money
- Buying from a factory without a BIS licence and finding out at the port.
- Assuming one code for a whole range of mesh runners, PU sneakers and leather trainers.
- Invoices that just say "sports shoes" with no upper or sole material.
- Relying on the old-stock extension for new shipments.
My advice
For sports shoes, start with the factory's BIS licence, then the materials. Ask for a spec sheet showing the upper and sole material of each model and keep it with your documents. If a model has a mixed upper, check it with a lookup before you finalise the order, not after the container lands.
Get the exact code and duty for your sports shoes
Every variant is different. Answer 2–4 questions and get the 8-digit code with reasoning, duty in rupees and the compliance checklist in minutes.
Check my sports shoes free →Written by
16 years of experience in global logistics
Built EximSetu after 16 years in global logistics, watching shipments get held, reassessed or delayed because of a wrong HS code or a missed compliance step. Every guide here is written from that experience, for the people who actually move cargo.
Frequently asked questions
▸What is the HS code for sports shoes in India?
Sports and training shoes with textile uppers and rubber or plastic soles are under 6404 11. The 8-digit line depends on the exact upper and sole materials.
▸Do imported sports shoes need BIS certification?
Yes. Footwear is under BIS Quality Control Orders, and sports footwear standards are covered. The manufacturer needs a BIS licence and shoes must carry the ISI mark.
▸What HS code applies if the sports shoe upper is synthetic leather?
If both upper and sole are rubber or plastic, including PU synthetic leather, the shoe usually goes under heading 6402 (6402 19 for sports footwear), not 6404.
▸Was the footwear QCO deadline extended?
A June 2026 amendment extended the time to sell declared older non-BIS stock to 31 July 2027. New imports still need BIS certification.
Related HS codes
🧭 Full guide: How to Find the Correct HS Code for Your Product in India →This page is general information, not legal advice. The usual code can change with the exact product, and rates and rules change by notification. Always confirm for your exact product with your customs broker or the official notification.