Examination Medical Gloves
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4015129000 | 49.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4015121010 | 110.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6116109500 | 24.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6116106500 | 24.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926201010 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧀠Examination Medical Gloves (Exam Gloves)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Examination Gloves"?
Examination Medical Gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare, laboratories, and industrial settings. They are designed to protect both the wearer and the subject from cross-contamination. In international trade, classification depends heavily on material composition (latex, nitrile, vinyl) and manufacturing process (knitted/coated vs. molded solid).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- Molded/Seamless Gloves: Made directly from liquid latex, nitrile, or PVC via dipping/molding processes. These are typically classified under Chapter 40 (Rubber) or Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- Knitted/Hooked & Coated Gloves: Fabric gloves that are dipped or coated with rubber/plastics. These fall under Chapter 61 (Knitted/Hooked Apparel).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 specific classifications for Examination Gloves:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
4015.12.90.00 |
Medical gloves, purpose: medical, form: gloves, material inferred: vulcanized rubber | Standard Latex/Nitrile Exam Gloves (Solid/Molded) | β Solid Rubber/Plastic |
4015.12.10.10 |
Medical gloves, purpose and form fully match code definition | High-Precision Latex/Nitrile Exam Gloves (Molded) | β Solid Rubber/Plastic |
6116.10.95.00 |
Knitted/Hooked gloves, impregnated/coated with rubber or plastic, for medical use | Fabric-backed Nitrile Gloves (Knitted cuff + Coated palm) | β Knitted Base + Coated Surface |
6116.10.65.00 |
Coated/Impregnated Knitted/Hooked gloves, purpose: medical | Medical Exam Gloves with Textile Backing | β Knitted Base + Coated Surface |
3926.20.10.10 |
Seamless gloves for surgical and medical purposes, material inferred: plastic/rubber | Vinyl or Non-Latex Polymer Exam Gloves (Molded) | β Solid Plastic/Polymer |
π Critical Reminder:
- If the glove is a solid molded item (no fabric lining), it belongs to Chapter 40 or 39. - If the glove has a knitted fabric backing that is then coated with nitrile/latex, it belongs to Chapter 61. - Misclassification between Chapter 40/39 (Molded) and Chapter 61 (Coated) is the most common customs error.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates as per 2026 tariff schedule
π― 1. 4015.12.90.00 ββ Medical Gloves (Vulcanized Rubber)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 49.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High value threshold, typical for medical PPE) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 14% β Sec 301: 25% β Sec 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This classification attracts the highest base rate among molded gloves. - The 49% total rate is significant. Importers must ensure the "vulcanized rubber" classification is accurate (i.e., not vinyl/plastic which may have different rates).
π― 2. 4015.12.10.10 ββ Medical Gloves (High-Precision Molded)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +100.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 110.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 110.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β Sec 301: 100% β Sec 122: 10% |
π Warning:
- Despite a 0% base rate, the Section 301 surcharge of 100% makes this the most expensive option. - This high rate often applies to specific sub-categories of latex/nitrile gloves deemed sensitive. Avoid this code if4015.12.90.00is applicable, as 49% < 110%.
π― 3. 6116.10.95.00 ββ Knitted/Hooked Coated Gloves (Medical)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 24.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 7% β Sec 301: 7.5% β Sec 122: 10% |
π Strategy:
- If your gloves have a knitted fabric backing, this is likely the most cost-effective classification (24.5%). - Many "Nitrile Exam Gloves" are actually knitted cotton/polyester gloves dipped in nitrile. Ensure you classify based on the structure, not just the coating.
π― 4. 6116.10.65.00 ββ Coated Knitted/Hooked Gloves (Medical)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| > Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 24.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 7% β Sec 301: 7.5% β Sec 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Similar to6116.10.95.00, but may differ in specific sub-heading nuances (e.g., specific coating thickness or material type). - Both Chapter 61 options offer the lowest total duty burden (24.5%).
π― 5. 3926.20.10.10 ββ Seamless Plastic/Rubber Gloves (Surgical/Medical)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β Sec 301: 0% β Sec 122: 10% |
π Opportunity:
- This is the lowest tariff option at 10%. - It applies to seamless gloves made of plastic (e.g., Vinyl gloves) or certain non-vulcanized rubber types classified under Chapter 39. - Crucial: You cannot use this code for Latex or Vulcanized Nitrile (which go to Chapter 40). Use this only for Vinyl or specific Plastic-based exam gloves.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Document Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: Material (Latex/Nitrile/Vinyl), Texture (Smooth/Powdered/Textured), Lining (None/Knitted). |
| β Composition Statement | βοΈ | Explicitly declare % of Rubber, Plastic, and Knitted Fabric if coated. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the inside (lining) and outside (coating) to prove structure. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must use precise description: "Medical Exam Gloves, Nitrile, Knitted Cuff, Powder Free". |
| β FDA Registration (if applicable) | βοΈ | Medical gloves may require FDA 510(k) or PMA depending on classification (Class I/II). |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To verify origin for Section 301 and 122 applicability. |
β 2. Declaration Tactics (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Structure Defines Code, Material Defines Chapter, Coating vs. Molded is the Key!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Gloves (Seamless, Plastic) | 3926.20.10.10 |
Misclassified as Rubber β 49% |
| Latex/Nitrile Gloves (Molded, No Lining) | 4015.12.90.00 |
Misclassified as Knitted β 24.5% (or vice versa) |
| Nitrile Gloves (Knitted Cuff + Nitrile Palm) | 6116.10.95.00 |
Misclassified as Molded β 49% |
| High-Precision Latex (Specific Sub-heading) | 4015.12.10.10 |
AVOID if possible (110% tariff!) |
π Warning on
4015.12.10.10:
- Even if your glove is "high-precision," if it falls under4015.12.90.00(49%), do not force it into4015.12.10.10(110%) unless legally required. Always seek the lower duty rate if the product description allows.
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Powdered vs. Powder-Free | Does not change HS Code, but must be declared accurately for FDA labeling. |
| Sterilized vs. Non-Sterile | Sterilized gloves may require additional FDA documentation but HS Code remains the same. |
| Mixed Shipments | If a shipment contains both Knitted (Ch 61) and Molded (Ch 40/39), must be split and declared separately. Mixed declaration leads to seizure. |
| Section 122 Tariff | The 10% surcharge applies to all glove categories from China. It is unavoidable. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | See above (4 categories) | 10% β 110% | FDA + Section 301/122 | Highest Risk Zone due to high surcharges. |
| π¨π³ China | 4015.13 / 4015.19 | 7.0% - 14.0% | NMPA | Lower tariffs, domestic production priority. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4015.13 / 6116.10 | 0% - 4.5% | CE + MDR/IVDR | No Section 301/122 equivalent. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4015.19 / 6116.10 | 3.0% - 5.0% | PSE/PMHLW | Competitive rates. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for medical gloves due to Section 301 and Section 122. - Vinyl Gloves (3926.20.10.10) are the most tariff-efficient if the product allows (10%). - Knitted Coated Gloves (6116.10.95.00) are the most efficient for Nitrile/Latex if they have a fabric backing (24.5%). - Molded Latex/Nitrile (4015.12.90.00) is moderate (49%). - Avoid4015.12.10.10if possible due to the 110% rate.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Classifying Nitrile Gloves as 4015.12.90.00 when they are actually Knitted & Coated.
π Consequence: Paying 49% instead of 24.5%. Overpayment of ~24.5%!
β Error 2: Classifying Vinyl Gloves as 4015.12.90.00 (Rubber).
π Consequence: Paying 49% instead of 10%. Overpayment of ~39%!
β Error 3: Using 4015.12.10.10 without justification.
π Consequence: Paying 110% duty. Catastrophic loss!
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff.
π Consequence: All glove imports from China face an extra 10%. If not factored into pricing, margins vanish.
β Correct Approach:
"Nitrile Examination Gloves, Powder-Free, Powder-Free, Knitted Cuff, Non-Sterile, For Medical Use" β HS 6116.10.95.00 (24.5%)
"Vinyl Examination Gloves, Seamless, Non-Sterile" β HS 3926.20.10.10 (10%)
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost-Reducing!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Knitted Coated = 24.5% (Best for Nitrile/Latex with lining)"
πΉ "Vinyl/Plastic = 10% (Lowest for Plastic)"
πΉ "Molded Rubber = 49% (Standard Latex)"
πΉ "Avoid 110% Code unless legally forced"
πΉ "Section 122 adds 10% to ALL!"
π Pro Tip:
If your gloves are Vinyl, always push for 3926.20.10.10.
If your gloves are Nitrile with Knitted Cuff, always push for 6116.10.95.00.
For Latex without Lining, you are stuck with 4015.12.90.00 (49%) unless you can prove it falls into the 0% base/100% surcharge bucket (risky).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker to verify the structure of your gloves (Knitted vs. Molded).
π Request a Pre-Ruling if the classification is ambiguous.
π° Factor in the 10% Section 122 tariff in your cost model.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of duty matters in the glove business!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.