Rubber Food Processing Gloves
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6116109500 | 24.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4015191150 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926204050 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4015195100 | 49.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6116106500 | 24.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π§€ Rubber Food Processing Gloves (Cleaning & Hygiene)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Misclassifying "Gloves"?
Rubber Food Processing Gloves are essential protective gear used in food industry cleaning, sanitation, and handling. In international trade, classification depends heavily on material composition, manufacturing process (coating vs. solid rubber), and specific usage.
According to the provided data, there are five distinct HS Code classifications for similar products. The difference lies in technical specifications such as: * Material Type: Natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or plastic-coated. * Structure:ζ΅ΈζΈ (Impregnated), ζΆε± (Coated), θ¦ε± (Laminated), or solid vulcanized rubber. * Function: Cleaning vs. general protective gear.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the glove is plastic/rubber-coated fabric (common for food cleaning) β It may fall under 6116.10 or 3926.20.
- If the glove is solid vulcanized rubber (industrial/heavy duty) β It likely falls under 4015.19.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring industrial rubber gloves as "cleaning gloves" can lead to massive duty differences (16.5% vs. 49%).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Data-Based Analysis)
Based on the input data, here are the 5 possible HS Codes for Rubber Food Processing Gloves, ranked from lowest to highest tax burden:
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Classification Criteria | Total Tax Rate | Tax Structure Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926.20.40.50 | Plastic/Synthetic Gloves | Shape: Gloves; Material: Inferred as rubber-like but classified under non-metallic/synthetic materials for cleaning. | 16.5% | Base: 6.5% Additional: 0.0% 122 Clause: 10% |
| 6116.10.95.00 | Rubber-Soled/Coated Gloves | Material: Rubber; Use: Food cleaning. Meets requirements for impregnated, coated, laminated, or covered plastic/rubber goods. | 24.5% | Base: 7.0% Additional: 7.5% 122 Clause: 10% |
| 6116.10.65.00 | Rubber-Immersed Gloves | Material: Rubber. Meets characteristics of rubber/plastic impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated goods. Classified under "Other" categories. | 24.5% | Base: 7.0% Additional: 7.5% 122 Clause: 10% |
| 4015.19.11.50 | Rubber Gloves (Apparel Category) | Material: Rubber. Usage: Classified under apparel/accessories. Based on consistency between material and use. | 38.0% | Base: 3.0% Additional: 25.0% 122 Clause: 10% |
| 4015.19.51.00 | Vulcanized Rubber Gloves | Material: Rubber. Meets vulcanized rubber requirements. Strictly classified as a glove category. | 49.0% | Base: 14.0% Additional: 25.0% 122 Clause: 10% |
π Key Insight:
- The lowest tax (16.5%) applies if the product can be justified as a "synthetic/plastic-based" item under 3926.20.40.50.
- The highest tax (49.0%) applies if the product is strictly defined as "vulcanized rubber" under 4015.19.51.00.
- 6116.10 codes (24.5%) are common for coated/impregnated fabric gloves used in food processing.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Context: Based on the provided tax details, these rates include Base Duties, Additional Tariffs, and Section 122 Clause Tariffs (likely referencing specific US trade actions or anti-dumping duties).
π― 1. 3926.20.40.50 β The "Lowest Tax" Option (Synthetic/Plastic)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% (No Section 301 or other additional duties) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 16.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 16.5% |
| Key Justification | Must prove the material is primarily synthetic/plastic or non-vulcanized rubber for cleaning purposes. |
π― 2. 6116.10.95.00 & 6116.10.65.00 β The "Coated/Impregnated" Option
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 24.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.5% |
| Key Justification | These gloves are made of fabric dipped/coated in rubber or plastic. Ideal for food cleaning where flexibility and cost-effectiveness are key. |
| Note | Both codes have the same rate. The difference may lie in specific sub-classifications (e.g., material thickness or brand specifications). |
π― 3. 4015.19.11.50 β The "Apparel" Classification
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% (Likely Section 301) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.0% |
| Key Justification | Classified as "Apparel/Accessories." This is unusual for industrial gloves but may apply if marketed as fashion or personal protective apparel. |
π― 4. 4015.19.51.00 β The "Vulcanized Rubber" Option
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 49.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.0% |
| Key Justification | Strict solid vulcanized rubber. Used for heavy-duty chemical resistance. Avoid this classification for food cleaning unless necessary for chemical safety, as it is the most expensive. |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Material Description Strategy
| Scenario | Recommended Description | HS Code Suggestion | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Cleaning Gloves | "Synthetic Rubber Coated Fabric Gloves for Food Industry" | 3926.20.40.50 or 6116.10.xxxx |
Lowest tax. Emphasize "coated" or "synthetic" nature. |
| Heavy-Duty Industrial | "Vulcanized Rubber Protective Gloves" | 4015.19.51.00 |
Higher tax. Only use if material is pure vulcanized rubber. |
| Fashion/Apparel | "Rubber Disposable Gloves (Apparel)" | 4015.19.11.50 |
Mid-range tax. Risky if not truly apparel. |
π Tip: For food processing, the 6116.10 or 3926.20 codes are most common. Avoid
4015.19unless you are exporting industrial chemical-resistant gloves.
β 2. Documentation Requirements
| Document | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Specify "Coated Rubber Gloves" or "Vulcanized Rubber Gloves" | Clear distinction is critical. |
| Product Specs | List material composition (e.g., "Cotton fabric dipped in nitrile") | Proves eligibility for 6116.10 or 3926.20. |
| Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | Required for food-contact items | Ensures compliance with FDA or local food safety standards. |
| Certificate of Origin | Needed for potential tariff exemptions | If eligible for FTA, check if any code allows preferential rates. |
β 3. Common Mistakes & Fixes
β Mistake 1: Declaring all rubber gloves as 4015.19
π Result: Paying 49% instead of 16.5%.
β
Fix: Provide material breakdown to show itβs a coated fabric (6116.10) or synthetic (3926.20).
β Mistake 2: Using "Plastic Gloves" for Rubber Gloves
π Result: Customs rejection or misclassification.
β
Fix: Use accurate terms: "Nitrile," "Latex," or "Synthetic Rubber."
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause" Tariff
π Result: Unexpected 10% charge at border.
β
Fix: Always budget for the 122 Clause in all HS codes from the provided data.
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.20.40.50 |
16.5% | Lowest duty for food cleaning gloves. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6116.10.95.00 |
24.5% | Common for coated rubber gloves. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4015.19.51.00 |
49.0% | Highest duty. Avoid for food use. |
| π¨π³ China | Varies | 0-13% | Lower base duties, but check export policies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | Varies | 0-6.5% | No Section 301 or 122 Clause equivalents. |
π Conclusion:
- For US imports,3926.20.40.50(16.5%) is the most cost-effective for food cleaning gloves.
-6116.10codes (24.5%) are also viable and widely accepted for coated gloves.
-4015.19codes (38-49%) should be avoided for food processing unless mandatory chemical resistance requires solid rubber.
π VI. Final Recommendations
- Material Declaration: Clearly state "Coated Fabric" or "Synthetic Rubber" to qualify for lower HS codes (
3926.20or6116.10). - Avoid "Vulcanized" Language: Unless necessary, do not describe gloves as "Vulcanized Rubber" if they are coated, to avoid the 49% tax.
- Consult Customs Broker: Pre-clearance with a broker is recommended to confirm the correct sub-heading (
65vs.95in6116.10). - Budget for 122 Clause: All listed codes include a 10% 122 Clause Tariff. Factor this into your pricing.
π― Pro Tip:
"Coated fabric = 16.5-24.5%. Solid rubber = 38-49%. Choose wisely!"
For food processing, flexibility and cost matter. Opt for3926.20.40.50or6116.10.95.00unless chemical resistance demands solid rubber.
β¨ Professional Customs Compliance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Optimize Your Supply Chain β Save Up to 32.5% in Duties!
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.