Find HS Code and trade information for electric gloves

Electric Gloves

Electric gloves are specialized handwear designed to provide heat, stimulation, or therapeutic benefits through the use of embedded electrical components. They serve a variety of purposes, ranging from warming cold hands to aiding in medical recovery and enhancing sensory perception.

Material

The base material of electric gloves is typically a flexible fabric offering insulation and comfort. Common materials include:

• Polyester: Durable, water-resistant, and affordable. Often used in outer layers.
• Spandex/Elastane: Provides stretch and a snug fit.
• Cotton: Offers breathability and comfort, often used in lining layers.
• Leather: Used in higher-end models for durability and a premium feel.
• Conductive Fibers: Woven into the fabric to facilitate the transmission of electrical signals. These are often silver or carbon-based.

Purpose & Function

The primary functions of electric gloves depend on their specific design:

• Heating: The most common application. Embedded heating elements powered by batteries warm the hands, providing relief from cold temperatures.
• Therapeutic Stimulation: Used in medical settings for pain management, muscle rehabilitation, and improving circulation. These gloves deliver controlled electrical pulses.
• Sensory Enhancement: Some gloves are designed to provide tactile feedback for individuals with reduced sensation or for virtual reality applications.
• Massage: Certain models incorporate vibrating elements to provide a massage function.

Usage Scenarios

• Outdoor Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, ice fishing, hunting, and other winter sports.
• Medical Therapy: Rehabilitation after injury or surgery, treatment of arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve damage.
• Industrial Applications: Providing warmth and dexterity in cold working environments.
• Virtual Reality/Gaming: Enhancing immersion and providing haptic feedback.
• Everyday Use: Individuals with poor circulation or those sensitive to cold.

Common Types

• Battery-Powered Heating Gloves: These utilize rechargeable batteries to power heating elements. Heat levels are often adjustable.
• Electrostimulation Gloves: Used for medical therapy and muscle rehabilitation, delivering controlled electrical pulses. These require a dedicated control unit.
• Vibrating Massage Gloves: Provide massage through vibrating elements, often used for relaxation and pain relief.
• Smart Gloves: Incorporate sensors and connectivity features for data tracking or integration with other devices (e.g., virtual reality systems).
• Conductive Gloves for Touchscreens: Designed to allow use of touchscreens while wearing gloves, utilizing conductive materials on the fingertips. (These are not electric in the heating/stimulation sense, but often confused as such).

Electric gloves fall under various classifications depending on their specific composition and function. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant:

• 3926201010: This HS code covers “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts): Gloves, mittens and mitts: Seamless Surgical and medical”. If the electric gloves are specifically designed for medical or surgical use and are seamless, this code applies. The breakdown is:

  • 39: Plastics and articles thereof.
  • 26: Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials.
  • 20: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories.
  • 10: Gloves, mittens and mitts: Seamless Surgical and medical.
  • The total tax rate is 30.0%, with a base tariff of 0.0% and an additional tariff of 0.0% currently, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

• 8548000000: This HS code covers “Electrical parts of machinery or apparatus, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter”. If the electric gloves are considered electrical components or parts of a larger apparatus and are not specifically apparel, this code may be applicable. The breakdown is:

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recording or reproducing apparatus, television-image multiplier tubes.
  • 48: Electrical parts of machinery or apparatus.
  • 00: Not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter.
  • The total tax rate is 55.0%, with a base tariff of 0.0% and an additional tariff of 25.0% currently, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

It is important to determine the primary function and composition of the electric gloves to select the correct HS code. If the gloves are primarily apparel with electrical functionality, 3926201010 is more appropriate. If they are primarily electrical components, 8548000000 is more suitable.