Safety Shoes HS Code: How to Classify Protective Footwear Correctly?

Protective footwear is an essential element of safety in manufacturing, construction sites, warehouses, and logistics. Your comfort for up to 40 hours a week depends on the right choice of work footwear that complies with international standards. However, the classification of work shoes by code (HS Code) often raises questions. How to determine the right code? What nuances to take into account? Safety shoes suppliers TALAN in the UAE know this!

What is HS Code, and why is it important?

The Harmonized System (HS Code) is a universal commodity nomenclature system developed by the World Customs Organization. Each code consists of several digits that describe in detail the category of goods and their actual properties.

For footwear, this is particularly essential, because even minor differences in construction, materials, or purpose can affect the classification. For example, work shoes with metal underfoot and anti-puncture soles are differentiated by code from ordinary sneakers or boots. Therefore, even if you really like the look of a certain model, it is HS Code that guarantees people their maximum protection at work.

HS Code classification of safety shoes

The groups 6403 or 6404 have been specially created for work shoes. What do these numbers mean ?

  • 6403 — shoes with soles made of rubber, plastic, leather or synthetic leather, with leather uppers. Work boots with leather upper often fall into this category. It is intended for work in extremely difficult and aggressive conditions, such as construction sites in the open air.
  • 6404 — footwear with textile upper. This category corresponds to models designed for light industry and logistics. They are used in rooms with capitalized production floors.

These models are additionally equipped with:

  • Protective elements that guarantee your safety from injury when working in an area where it is impossible to clean up. These are underfoot and anti-puncture inserts.
  • Waterproof and heat-resistant work shoes. This is necessary to protect your feet from getting wet, and injuries from possible contact with hot objects.
  • Additional elements that take into account the purpose of footwear (industrial, medical, military).

Mistakes in classification

When choosing a model of protective work shoes, it is important to take into account the nuances in order to avoid injuries or additional trouble in the form of failure of shoes before the due date. The most common mistakes in this matter are:

  • Incorrect choice of code. For example, casual shoes may look like special shoes, but the materials used in their manufacture do not have the properties that shoes of this category should have.
  • Ignoring protective characteristics. Some models contain elements that change their classification, such as metal inserts or electrostatic protection. And if it is not written about it in the product passport, then there is no guarantee that you will not get such an injury.
  • Incorrect indication of materials. If the documentation does not specify what the upper or sole is made of, there may be difficulties in using these shoes. For example, the upper material does not have the properties of moisture drainage from the foot, which will negatively affect the health of your feet.

Where to find the right safety shoes?

When choosing safety shoes, especially if they are for work, it is important to consider compliance with international standards. For example, work shoes in the UAE must meet the strict requirements of hot climates and resistance to petroleum products.

Talan designs work shoes that meet global standards of safety and comfort. At talansafetyshoes.com you will find models with reinforced soles, anti-puncture insoles and chemical protection to ensure your comfort and convenience at the workplace throughout the working day.

Choose reliable armor for your feet!

The correct HS Code for safety footwear is the key to protecting your feet from everyday injuries!  It is important to take into account the design features, materials, and purpose of the footwear in order to avoid mistakes when selecting the right model for you. Even better, choose products from trusted manufacturers who take into account in advance and guarantee through numerous tests that all international requirements are met during manufacture!

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Marc Berman

Marc Berman, dubbed “Mr. Television,” is a veteran journalist and media historian contributing to Forbes since 2020. A member of The Television Critics Association, Marc covers breaking news, celebrity profiles, and emerging technologies in media. He’s also the creator of the long-running Programming Insider newsletter and has appeared on shows like “Entertainment Tonight” and “Extra.”

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