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 |
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AI Analysis
𧀠Medical Gloves (Gloves for Medical/Surgical Use)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024-2025 Tax Regime Full Analysis | Professional Strategy for Global Trade
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Medical Gloves"?
Medical gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) used in healthcare, laboratories, and industrial settings. In international trade, their classification hinges on material composition, manufacturing process, and intended use.
They are generally categorized into three major types:
- Vulcanized Rubber Gloves (Latex/Nitrile/Neoprene): Made by dipping or molding, then vulcanized. Often categorized under 4015.12.
- Knitted/Crocheted Gloves (Textile Base): Fabric-based gloves (e.g., knitted cotton or synthetic) coated with rubber, plastic, or latex. Often categorized under 6116.10.
- Plastic/Synthetic Seamless Gloves: Made via molding without knitting. Often categorized under 3926.20.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- Vulcanized Rubber (Molded/Dipped & Cured) β HS 4015.12
- Knitted Fabric + Coating (Textile core) β HS 6116.10
- Plastic Seamless (No textile core) β HS 3926.20
Misclassification leads to massive tax discrepancies (e.g., 0% vs. 110%)!
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Structure | Key Application | Total Tax Rate |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- :--- |
| 4015.12.10.10 | Medical Gloves (Vulcanized Rubber)
Definition matches perfectly with coding | Vulcanized rubber, dipped/molded | Medical/Surgical | 110.0% |
| 4015.12.90.00 | Medical Gloves (Vulcanized Rubber)
General category | Vulcanized rubber, gloves | Medical use | 49.0% |
| 6116.10.95.00 | Medical Gloves (Knitted/Crocheted)
Rubber or Plastic Impregnated | Knitted/Crocheted textile base + coating | Medical/General | 24.5% |
| 6116.10.65.00 | Medical Gloves (Coated Knitted)
Textile-based with treatment | Coated/Impregnated Knitted/Crocheted | Medical use | 24.5% |
| 3926.20.10.10 | Medical Gloves (Plastic/Seamless)
Plastic/Rubber Seamless | Plastic/Rubber (Seamless) | Medical/Surgical | 10.0% |
π Key Insight:
- The difference between 4015.12.10.10 (110%) and 4015.12.90.00 (49%) is often a matter of specific technical definition compliance. If your product matches the definition of 4015.12.10.10 exactly, the higher tax applies. - 6116 series (Knitted) and 3926 series (Plastic) offer significantly lower tax burdens compared to the 4015 series (Rubber) under current trade policies.
π° III. 2024-2025 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Policy Analysis)
β Scope: Importing from China (CN) to USA (US) (Based on "Additional Tariff" and "Section 122" context)
β Effective Period: Current Trade War & Policy Add-ons (2024-2025)
π― 1. 4015.12.10.10 ββ The "Trap" Code (110% Total)
Why is it so high? This classification targets specific medical rubber gloves with strict adherence to the "exact definition" clause.
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 0.0% | Standard MFN Rate (often 0 for basic medical items) |
| Additional Tariff (Trade War) | 100.0% | Section 301 / "Additional Tariff" on Chinese Medical Rubber Goods |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | Emergency Medical Supplies Specific Tax (Section 122) |
| TOTAL | 110.0% | β οΈ EXTREME RISK |
π Explanation:
- The 100% "Additional Tariff" is the primary driver here. It is not a standard duty but a punitive trade measure. - Even though the Basic Duty is 0%, the 100% surcharge effectively doubles the product cost before the 10% Section 122 tax is applied. - Crucial: If your gloves are strictly defined as this code, expect 110% taxation on CIF value.
π― 2. 4015.12.90.00 ββ The "General" Code (49% Total)
A slightly different classification for the same material (Vulcanized Rubber) but under a "general" umbrella.
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 14.0% | Standard MFN Rate for Rubber Gloves |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% | Section 301 "Additional Tariff" (Lower than 100%) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | Emergency Medical Supplies Specific Tax |
| TOTAL | 49.0% | β οΈ HIGH BUT MANAGEABLE |
π Explanation:
- Here, the "Additional Tariff" is 25%, not 100%. This suggests a technical distinction in how the "Medical" definition is interpreted or a specific exemption status. - Strategy: Verify if your product can be classified here instead of 4015.12.10.10 to save 61% in duties.
π― 3. 6116.10.95.00 & 6116.10.65.00 ββ Knitted Coated Gloves (24.5% Total)
Textile-based gloves coated with rubber/plastic.
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 7.0% | Standard Textile/Dipped Glove Rate |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% | Section 301 "Additional Tariff" (Lower for Textiles) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | Emergency Medical Supplies Specific Tax |
| TOTAL | 24.5% | β MODERATE RISK |
π Explanation:
- The textile nature (6116) often escapes the highest punitive tariffs (100%) applied to pure rubber (4015). - Strategy: If your gloves are knitted fabric + coating (not pure molded rubber), this is a much safer classification (24.5% vs 110%).
π― 4. 3926.20.10.10 ββ Plastic Seamless Gloves (10% Total)
Plastic/Rubber seamless gloves (no textile, no vulcanization).
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 0.0% | Duty-free for certain plastics |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% | Exempt from Section 301 "Additional Tariff" |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | Emergency Medical Supplies Specific Tax |
| TOTAL | 10.0% | β OPTIMAL RATE |
π Explanation:
- Best Case Scenario: If your gloves are made of plastic (e.g., PE, PVC) or are seamless, the "Additional Tariff" is 0%. - Only the 10% Section 122 applies. - Strategy: If product design allows, shift to seamless plastic construction to minimize costs.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Strategy & Practical Tips
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Requirement | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification | βοΈ Critical | Must clearly state: "Knitted", "Molded", "Vulcanized", "Plastic", or "Seamless". |
| Material Certificate | βοΈ Critical | Proof of Raw Material (Latex vs. Nitrile vs. Plastic vs. Cotton). |
| Manufacturing Process Chart | βοΈ Critical | Dipping/Molding vs. Knitting/Coating determines HS Code. |
| Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ Required | FDA, CE, or ISO 13485 (proves "Medical" use). |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Required | Must explicitly state "Medical Gloves" + HS Code. |
| Packaging Label | βοΈ Required | Clear language regarding material and usage. |
β 2. Declaration Tactics (The "Golden Rules")
π₯ Rule of Thumb:
"Know your core: Rubber = High Tax; Knitted = Medium Tax; Plastic = Low Tax."
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Molded Rubber | 4015.12.90.00 (if possible) |
4015.12.10.10 |
Avoid 110% tax if 90.00 is applicable. |
| Knitted + Coated | 6116.10.65.00 / 6116.10.95.00 |
4015.12.90.00 |
Save ~25% tax by declaring as "Textile Coated". |
| Plastic/Seamless | 3926.20.10.10 |
4015.12.90.00 |
Save 39% tax (10% vs 49%). |
| Mixed Material | Declare dominant material | Guesswork | Risk of Audit + Penalty. |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Strategy |
|---|---|
| "Is it Rubber or Plastic?" | Submit a Lab Analysis to prove if the coating is <5% (Textile) or >95% (Rubber). |
| "Section 122 Exemption?" | If the gloves are for non-medical use (e.g., industrial food handling), they might not qualify for Section 122. Verify "Medical" status. |
| "Origin Change?" | If manufacturing moves to Vietnam/Mexico, Section 301 Additional Tariff (100% or 25%) may be waived, but Section 122 might still apply depending on the product. |
| "Partial Duty Exemption?" | No. Most medical gloves are not eligible for de minimis exemptions under current trade war rules. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2024-2025)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Tax | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.20.10.10 (Plastic) |
10.0% | FDA Clearance + Section 122 |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6116.10.65.00 (Knitted) |
24.5% | Section 301 (7.5%) + 122 (10%) |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4015.12.10.10 (Rubber) |
110.0% | AVOID unless unavoidable |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4015.12.10 / 6116.10 |
0-6% (No US-style 301) | CE Marking (MDR) |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4015.12.10 / 6116.10 |
0-7% | PMDA Registration |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most aggressive market with Section 122 and Section 301ε ε (Stacking) creating 110% tariffs. - Europe/Asia have much lower rates. If your target is the US, material engineering (shifting to plastic or knitted) is the only way to reduce costs.
π VI. Common Pitfalls & Blood-Lesson Guide
β Pitfall 1: Declaring "Vulcanized Rubber Gloves" as 4015.12.90.00 when they technically meet 4015.12.10.10.
π Result: 110% Tax instead of 49% β Loss of 61% profit.
π Fix: Consult a customs broker to verify the "exact definition" criteria.
β Pitfall 2: Calling "Knitted Gloves" "Rubber Gloves" to simplify.
π Result: Tax jumps from 24.5% to 49% or 110%.
π Fix: Be precise: "Knitted Cotton with Nitrile Coating".
β Pitfall 3: Ignoring "Section 122".
π Result: Even if you get 0% duty, you still pay 10% (Section 122).
π Fix: Calculate total cost including Section 122.
β Pitfall 4: Assuming "Medical" always means high tax.
π Result: Missing the Plastic (3926) loophole (10% total).
π Fix: Explore seamless plastic glove designs.
β Correct Practice:
"Seamless Plastic Gloves, Medical Grade, PVC Material, No Knitting, FDA 510(k) Cleared" β 3926.20.10.10 (10% Tax).
π― VII. Final Verdict: Optimize, Don't Overpay!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Plastic is King (10%); Knitted is Queen (24.5%); Rubber is King's Enemy (49% - 110%)"
πΉ "HS Code is Destiny: A 5% change in material classification saves 61% in tax!"π Pro Tip:
If your product is currently Vulcanized Rubber (110%), consider a Product Redesign to: 1. Switch to Knitted Fabric + Coating (6116 Series). 2. Switch to Plastic Seamless (3926 Series). 3. Consult a Customs Attorney to verify if your specific "Rubber" glove can be classified under the lower bracket4015.12.90.00.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your supply chain team to review material specs.
π Request a Binding Ruling (BR) from US Customs before shipment to lock in the lower tax rate.
π‘ Your Margin: Save thousands on every container by choosing the right HS Code!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precision!
πΌ Every Percent of Tax Saved is Pure Profit!
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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.