| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3004490050 | Doc | 30.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3004909234 | Doc | 30.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3005101000 | Doc | 30.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3005105000 | Doc | 30.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9619009000 | Doc | 44.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Pain Relief Patches
Pain relief patches are drug-delivery systems designed to alleviate localized pain through transdermal administration of analgesic medications. They offer a non-invasive alternative to oral pain relievers, providing sustained release of the active ingredient directly to the affected area.
Material Composition
These patches are typically constructed in multiple layers:
- Backing Layer: An impermeable layer, often made of polyester film, providing protection and preventing drug loss.
- Drug Reservoir: Contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dissolved or dispersed in a polymeric matrix. Common polymers include acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, and hydrogels.
- Rate-Controlling Membrane (Optional): May be present to regulate the drug release rate.
- Adhesive Layer: Secures the patch to the skin, often acrylic-based.
- Release Liner: A protective layer removed before application.
Purpose and Function
The primary purpose is localized pain management. Functionally, they work by:
- Transdermal Delivery: The API permeates through the skin layers, reaching the underlying tissues and nerve endings.
- Sustained Release: Provides a controlled and consistent release of medication over an extended period (typically 8-12 hours, or up to several days depending on the patch type).
- Localized Effect: Minimizes systemic absorption, reducing the potential for side effects associated with oral medications.
Usage Scenarios
Common applications include:
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sprains, strains.
- Neuropathic Pain: Postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis.
- Post-operative Pain: Managing pain after surgical procedures.
- Sports Injuries: Relieving pain from minor injuries and muscle soreness.
Common Types
Patches are categorized based on the active ingredient and release mechanism:
- Capsaicin Patches: Utilize capsaicin, a chili pepper extract, to deplete substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain transmission. Primarily used for neuropathic pain.
- Lidocaine Patches: Contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to numb the area and block pain signals. Effective for localized nerve pain.
- NSAID Patches (e.g., Diclofenac, Ketoprofen): Deliver nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal conditions.
- Opioid Patches (e.g., Fentanyl, Buprenorphine): Contain opioid analgesics for moderate to severe chronic pain. These are typically prescription-only and require strict medical supervision.
- Salicylate Patches: Contain methyl salicylate, providing a warming sensation and mild analgesic effect for muscle aches and pains.
- Hybrid Patches: Combine multiple active ingredients for synergistic pain relief.
Pain relief patches are medicaments put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale, designed for therapeutic uses. They typically consist of mixed or unmixed products and are applied to the skin for localized pain relief.
The following HS codes are relevant based on the provided information:
- 3004490050: This HS code covers medicaments (excluding those under headings 3002, 3005, or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. Specifically, it applies to “Other” containing alkaloids or derivatives thereof, and further specifies “Dermatological agents and local anesthetics”. Given that pain relief patches are applied to the skin and often contain local anesthetics, this code is applicable. The base tariff is 0.0%, with a 0.0% additional tariff, but a 30% additional tariff will be applied after April 2, 2025. The total tariff rate is currently 30.0%.
- 3004909234: This HS code also covers medicaments (excluding those under headings 3002, 3005, or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. It is categorized under “Other” and further specifies “Medicaments primarily affecting the central nervous system: Analgesics, antipyretics and nonhormonal anti-inflammatory agents: Other”. If the pain relief patch is formulated to affect the central nervous system, this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 0.0%, with a 0.0% additional tariff, but a 30% additional tariff will be applied after April 2, 2025. The total tariff rate is currently 30.0%.
It is important to note that both codes relate to medicaments for therapeutic use. The specific classification will depend on the precise composition and intended effect of the pain relief patch.