Medical Latex Long Sleeve Gloves
CN β USProduct Images
AI Analysis
𧀠Medical Latex Long Sleeve Gloves (Surgical Gloves with Cuffs)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Surgical Gloves"?
Medical Latex Long Sleeve Gloves, commonly known as Surgical Gloves with Cuffs or Exam Gloves with Extended Cuffs, are critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in healthcare settings to prevent cross-contination during medical procedures.
In international trade, they are strictly regulated under Chapter 40 (Rubber) and are distinguished from general-purpose gloves by their sterility, anatomical shape, and extended cuff design.
Key Distinctions: * Surgical Gloves (Sterile): Designed for invasive procedures. Must be sterile, double-gloved often, and packaged in sterile blister packs. * Examination Gloves (Non-Sterile): Used for general patient contact, cleaning, or laboratory work. * Long Sleeve/Cuffed: The defining feature is the extended cuff (usually 9-10 inches), which protects the wrist and forearm from fluids.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the gloves are sterile and intended for surgical use (even if non-latex, but here specified as latex) β HS 4015.11 or 4015.19.
- If the gloves are non-sterile (examination gloves) β HS 4015.13.
- Material Check: Since the input is "Latex," we focus on natural rubber latex. If "nitrile" or "vinyl" were specified, the code would differ.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Harmonized System Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Sterile? | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4015.11.00.00 |
Surgical gloves, sterile, made of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber | Sterile surgical procedures | β Yes | Latex (Natural Rubber) |
4015.12.00.00 |
Surgical gloves, sterile, made of plastic | Sterile surgical procedures | β Yes | Plastic (e.g., Nitrile/PVC) |
4015.19.00.00 |
Surgical gloves, sterile, made of other materials (e.g., composite, coated fabrics) | Specialized sterile procedures | β Yes | Other |
4015.13.00.00 |
Surgical gloves, non-sterile, made of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber | Examination, non-invasive | β No | Latex (Natural Rubber) |
4015.90.00.00 |
Gloves, mittens, and mitts, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, n.e.c. | Industrial gloves, gardening, non-medical | Varies | Latex |
π Key Reminder:
- Sterility is the primary classifier for surgical gloves. If the packaging indicates "STERILE" and the product is anatomically shaped for hands, it likely falls under4015.11(Latex).
- Non-sterile latex gloves (even with long sleeves) fall under4015.13.
- Do NOT misclassify medical latex gloves under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceuticals) or Chapter 90 (Medical Instruments). They are rubber goods.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 10, 2025 (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4015.11.00.00 ββ Surgical Gloves, Sterile, Latex
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (For China/HK products, effective from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NO (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4015.11.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% USITC duty is part of the Section 301 trade remedy actions.
- The 10% IEEPA duty is a new surcharge on Chinese goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total 45% is a HIGH tariff, significantly impacting profitability. Must be factored into pricing strategies.
π― 2. 4015.13.00.00 ββ Surgical Gloves, Non-Sterile, Latex
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4015.13.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Even if non-sterile, latex gloves are subject to the same additional duties as sterile surgical gloves under Section 301.
- Exam gloves (often classified here or under 4015.13) face the same burden.
π― 3. 4015.90.00.00 ββ Other Rubber Gloves (Non-Surgical/Industrial)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.2% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 38.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
π Note:
- If the gloves are not classified as "surgical" (e.g., heavy-duty industrial latex gloves), they fall under 4015.90.
- The base rate is higher (3.2% vs 0%), but the total is still very high (38.2%).
- Caution: Misclassifying surgical gloves as "industrial" to avoid duties is customs fraud.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (100% Natural Rubber Latex), Sterility status, Size range, Cuff length. |
| β Sterility Certificate (if sterile) | βοΈ | ISO 11135/11137 compliance, valid sterilization method (EtO or Gamma). |
| β FDA Registration Number | βοΈ | US importers must verify the manufacturer is FDA-registered (Class II Medical Device). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Latex Surgical Gloves, Sterile/Non-Sterile, Model XYZ". Avoid vague terms like "Rubber Gloves". |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Ensure HS Code matches the invoice. |
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | Mandatory for medical devices imported into the US. |
| β Drug Establishment Registration | βοΈ | For sterile devices, specific FDA facility registration is required. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Sterile vs. Non-Sterile, Latex vs. Nitrile, Name It Right, Taxes Won't Fight!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sterile Latex Surgical Gloves | 4015.11.00.00 |
Misdeclare as 4015.13 (Non-sterile) β Audit Risk |
| Non-Sterile Latex Exam Gloves | 4015.13.00.00 |
Misdeclare as 4015.90 (Industrial) β Penalty for Fraud |
| Nitrile Surgical Gloves | 4015.12.00.00 |
Label as "Latex" β False Declaration |
| Powdered vs. Powder-Free | Specify in description | Omitting "Powder-Free" may cause FDA rejection if powder is banned/restricted |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Latex Allergy Warning | Labels must include "Contains Natural Rubber Latex" per FDA requirements. Missing labels can lead to Refusal of Entry. |
| Sterile Packaging | Must be intact. If packaging is damaged, sterility is compromised β Product is unusable and non-compliant. |
| Kitting (Gloves + Instruments) | If gloves are sold as part of a kit with other items, the essential character determines the HS code. If gloves are the main component, it's 4015.11. |
| Small Sample Shipments | Even samples of medical devices require FDA Prior Notice and may still incur duties if over de minimis limits ($800 for Section 321, but 301 duties often apply regardless of value for certain categories). |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4015.11.00.00 |
45% | FDA 510(k) or PDP, Prior Notice | High barrier due to duties & FDA |
| π¨π³ China | 4015.11.00.00 |
6.5% | NMPA (formerly CFDA) Registration | Standard import duty |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4015.19.00.00 (General) |
0% | CE Marking (MDR Regulation), Sterilization Validation | MDR requires stricter post-market surveillance |
| π¬π§ UK | 4015.19.00.00 |
0% | UKCA Marking (transitioning from CE) | Similar to EU but with UK-specific rules |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4015.11.00.00 |
5% | TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) Registration | High regulatory hurdle |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to 45% effective tariff and strict FDA rules.
- EU/UK have low/zero tariffs but strict regulatory compliance (MDR/UKCA) which can be more costly and time-consuming than tariffs.
- China has moderate tariffs and standard NMPA requirements.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Latex Gloves" without specifying "Sterile" or "Non-Sterile"
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine the correct 8-digit HS code β Held at Port, Delays, Storage Fees.
β Mistake 2: Forgetting FDA Prior Notice for Sterile Gloves
π Consequence: Refusal of Entry or Detention by FDA. Goods may be destroyed.
β Mistake 3: Misclassifying Powder-Free Gloves as "Powdered" or vice versa
π Consequence: FDA may flag as mislabeling. Powdered gloves are restricted in many US hospitals.
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) exempts you from Section 301 Duties
π Consequence: Section 301 (25%) and IEEPA (10%) duties apply even on small shipments if not explicitly exempted (which medical gloves are not).
β Correct Approach:
"STERILE LATEX SURGICAL GLOVES, POWDER-FREE, SIZE M, 100% NATURAL RUBBER, FDA REGISTERED MANUFACTURER, LOT #12345, EXPIRY DATE 2028-12-31"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Timely Clearance, Cost Control!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Sterile 11, Non-Sterile 13, Latex Base 0%, 301 & IEEPA Make 45%!"
πΉ "FDA Prior Notice is Key, Without It, Goods Won't Be Free!"
π Pro Tip:
If your gloves are manufactured in Vietnam, Thailand, or India, you may qualify for lower or no IEEPA/Section 301 duties (subject to current trade agreements and rules of origin).
Strongly recommend applying for an Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) to confirm HS code and duty liability before shipment.
π£ Immediate Action Required:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide FDA Registration Details + Verify Sterility Packaging
π Ensure your medical latex gloves clear customs smoothly, meet FDA standards, and remain profitable!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every dollar in tariff is a dollar of profit lost β Calculate Precisely!
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.