Find HS Code and trade information for elastic bandage

Elastic Bandage

An elastic bandage is a stretchable strip of material used for support in the management of sprains and other injuries. It is commonly known as a crepe bandage, ACE bandage, or simply an elastic wrap.

Material:

• Composition: Typically made from elastic fibers (rubber, latex, or synthetic polymers like spandex) interwoven with cotton, polyester, or rayon. The proportion of elastic fiber determines the bandage’s stretchability and compression level.
• Weave: Different weave patterns affect the bandage's properties. Knitted bandages offer greater stretch in all directions, while woven bandages provide more consistent compression.
• Variations: Some bandages include antimicrobial agents or hypoallergenic materials.

Purpose:

• Compression: Provides external pressure to reduce swelling, edema, and bruising.
• Support: Offers mechanical support to injured joints and muscles, limiting motion and promoting stability.
• Immobilization: Can be used to partially or fully immobilize an injured limb.
• Wound Protection: Provides a protective layer over minor wounds and abrasions.

Function:

• Reduced Swelling: Compression limits fluid accumulation in the injured area by increasing venous return and lymphatic drainage.
• Pain Relief: Support and compression can reduce pain by stabilizing the injury and minimizing movement.
• Proprioceptive Feedback: The bandage provides sensory feedback, enhancing awareness of joint position and potentially improving muscle control.
• Post-operative Support: Frequently used after surgery to minimize swelling and support the healing tissue.

Usage Scenarios:

• Sprains & Strains: Ankle sprains, wrist strains, muscle pulls.
• Joint Instability: Providing support for unstable knees, elbows, or shoulders.
• Fracture Support: Temporary support after a fracture (always used in conjunction with a cast or splint).
• Varicose Veins: Compression to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
• Post-surgical Edema Control: Reducing swelling after operations.
• Lymphedema Management: Compression to facilitate lymphatic drainage.

Common Types:

• Knitted Elastic Bandages: Offer greater stretch in all directions, providing a more comfortable fit and consistent compression. Suitable for general use and areas requiring a flexible wrap.
• Woven Elastic Bandages: Provide more consistent compression and are often used for more severe injuries or areas requiring firmer support.
• Short-Stretch Bandages: Provide higher compression and are often used for lymphedema management.
• Long-Stretch Bandages: Offer lower compression and are better suited for general use and edema control.
• Tubular Bandages: Pre-formed elastic sleeves used for fingers, toes, or limbs.
• Adhesive Elastic Bandages: Feature an adhesive backing for a secure, no-slip fit.

Elastic bandages fall under the category of medical, surgical, or veterinary articles. Based on the provided reference material, the following HS codes are relevant:

• 3005101000: This HS code covers Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles (for example, dressings, adhesive plasters, poultices), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances or put up in forms or packings for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes; Adhesive dressings and other articles having an adhesive layer; Coated or impregnated with pharmaceutical substances. This code specifically applies to elastic bandages if they are coated or impregnated with pharmaceutical substances.
• 3005105000: This HS code also covers Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles (for example, dressings, adhesive plasters, poultices), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances or put up in forms or packings for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes; Adhesive dressings and other articles having an adhesive layer; Other. This code applies to elastic bandages that do not have a coating or impregnation of pharmaceutical substances.
• 3926909905: This HS code covers Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914; Other; Elastic bands made wholly of plastics. If the elastic bandage is made entirely of plastic, this code is applicable.
• 6212900010: This HS code covers Brassieres, girdles, corsets, braces, suspenders, garters and similar articles and parts thereof, whether or not knitted or crocheted; Other; Of cotton or cotton and rubber or plastics. If the elastic bandage is classified as a brace or support and is made of cotton or a cotton/rubber/plastic blend, this code may be relevant.
• 6217909075: This HS code covers Other made up clothing accessories; parts of garments or of clothing accessories, other than those of heading 6212; Parts; Other; Of cotton. If the elastic bandage is considered a clothing accessory part and is made of cotton, this code may apply.

Regarding HS code 3005101000 and 3005105000, it is important to determine whether the bandage is impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances, as this distinction affects the correct classification.