Seamless Driving Gloves
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926201010 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926201020 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6116105510 | 30.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6116104810 | 36.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4014905000 | 14.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧀠Seamless Driving Gloves: HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What Are "Seamless Driving Gloves"?
Driving Gloves, in the context of international trade and US Customs regulations, are specialized protective or fashion accessories designed for operating motor vehicles. The term "Seamless" refers to the manufacturing process (knitted or molded without finger seams), which can significantly impact their classification depending on the material and intended use.
In international trade, these gloves are generally categorized into two main groups: 1. Medical/Surgical/Examination Gloves: Made of latex, nitrile, or plastic, designed for hygiene and protection against contaminants. 2. Textile/Leather/Rubber Gloves for General Use: Made of cotton, wool, synthetic fibers, or coated rubber, designed for grip, comfort, or fashion (including driving).
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point:
- If the gloves are single-use, medical-grade, and made of rubber/plastic (even if seamless), they are classified under Chapter 40 or Chapter 39.
- If the gloves are reusable, made of textile/fabric (possibly with rubber/plastic coating for grip), they are classified under Chapter 61.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring rubber medical gloves as textile gloves (or vice versa) leads to severe penalties due to massive tariff differences.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Cross-Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the potential HS Codes for "Seamless Driving Gloves," categorized by material and use.
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Use Case | Key Feature Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926.20.10.10 | Other articles of plastics, forε€η§ (Surgical) & Medical use | Plastic/Rubber | Surgical/Medical Checkups | Seamless, Medical Use |
| 3926.20.10.20 | Other articles of plastics, forε€η§ (Surgical) & Medical use | Plastic/Rubber | Surgical/Medical (Disposable) | Seamless, Disposable Logic |
| 6116.10.55.10 | Gloves, impregnated/coated with plastic/rubber, textile base | Textile + Coating | General/Driving/Fashion | Seamless (No finger seams), Textile |
| 6116.10.48.10 | Gloves, impregnated/coated with plastic/rubber, textile base | Textile + Coating | Medical/Examination (Non-Surgical) | Seamless, Textile Base |
| 4014.90.50.00 | Other hygiene/medical articles, of vulcanized rubber | Vulcanized Rubber (Latex/Nitrile) | Medical/Hygiene | Seamless, Rubber Material |
π Key Insight:
- Chapters 39 & 40 cover rubber/plastic gloves, often used in medical settings.
- Chapter 61 covers textile gloves (knitted), even if coated with plastic/rubber for grip (common in driving gloves).
- "Seamless" is a manufacturing trait, not a standalone classifier. It must be paired with Material and Use.
π° III. 2026 US Customs Tariff Breakdown (Including Section 301 & IEEPA Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onwards)
π― 1. HS Code 3926.20.10.10 & 3926.20.10.20
Category: Plastic/Rubber Articles for Surgical/Medical Use
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (No additional 25% tariff for this specific subheading under Footnote analysis) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% (Section 122 Clause: Targeting Chinese imports) |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible (deny_de_minimis: True) |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 (122 Clause) |
π Explanation:
- These codes apply if the gloves are plastic/rubber and used for surgical/medical purposes.
- Even though the base duty is 0%, the 10% IEEPA surcharge applies strictly to Chinese-origin goods.
- High Risk: If these are actually driving gloves (non-medical), misdeclaring them as medical will trigger FDA/Customs audits.
π― 2. HS Code 6116.10.55.10
Category: Textile Gloves with Plastic/Rubber Coating (No Finger Seams)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 13.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (Specific to this textile subheading) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% (Section 122 Clause) |
| Total Tax Rate | 30.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 + USITC Footnotes |
π Explanation:
- This code fits driving gloves made of knitted fabric (cotton/polyester) with a rubber/plastic palm coating for grip.
- "Seamless" matches "no finger seams" (ζ ζι΄ηΌ).
- Cost Impact: Nearly 31% duty burden.
π― 3. HS Code 6116.10.48.10
Category: Textile Gloves with Plastic/Rubber Coating (Medical/Examination Use)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 18.6% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 36.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 36.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation:
- This code is for textile-based gloves used in medical examination contexts (e.g., non-sterile, reusable exam gloves).
- Not for standard driving gloves unless they are specifically marketed as medical exam gloves.
- Highest risk of misclassification for driving gloves.
π― 4. HS Code 4014.90.50.00
Category: Hygiene/Medical Articles of Vulcanized Rubber (Latex/Nitrile)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 14.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 14.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation:
- This code applies to 100% rubber gloves (like latex or nitrile surgical gloves) that are seamless.
- If your "driving gloves" are actually rubber gloves (e.g., for wet weather driving or industrial use) and are not textile-based, this might be the correct code.
- Lower total duty (14.2%) compared to textile options, but strict material requirement: Must be rubber.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (e.g., "Polyester with Nitrile Palm"), Construction (Seamless/Knitted), Intended Use (Driving vs. Medical). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the palm (coating), back (fabric), and label. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must use precise description: "Seamless Knitted Driving Gloves, Cotton/Nitrile, Non-Medical" |
| β Material Composition Statement | βοΈ | Critical for distinguishing Chapter 61 (Textile) vs. Chapter 40 (Rubber). |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | To confirm Chinese origin (triggering IEEPA 10%). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material Defines Code, Use Defines Duty, Seamless is Just a Trait!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textile Driving Gloves (Knitted + Rubber Palm) | 6116.10.55.10 (30.7%) | 4014.90.50.00 | Under-declaration: If declared as rubber, Customs may reject or audit for "Non-Rubber" content. |
| Rubber/Plastic Medical Gloves | 3926.20.10.10 (10.0%) | 6116.10.55.10 | Over-declaration: Unnecessary high duty if correctly identified as medical plastic. |
| Rubber Driving Gloves (Full Rubber) | 4014.90.50.00 (14.2%) | 6116.10.55.10 | Risk: If not medical/hygiene, may be classified elsewhere. Ensure "Hygiene/Medical" use claim is valid or seek alternative. |
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- Do NOT declare standard fabric driving gloves as "Medical Gloves" to get lower duties (10-14%) unless they are explicitly for medical use. Customs will request FDA documentation and reject non-compliant goods.
- "Seamless" alone is not a valid HS Code. It must be combined with Material and Function.
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Driving Gloves | Provide design specs showing fabric backing + rubber coating. Use 6116.10.55.10. |
| All-Rubber "Driving" Gloves (e.g., for cold/wet) | Verify if they fit "Hygiene/Medical" definition. If not, they may fall under 4014.90.90 or similar, which may have different duties. Consult a customs broker. |
| Single-Use Latex Gloves (Marketed as "Driving" but actually Medical) | Use 3926.20.10.10 or 4014.90.50.00. Ensure marketing does not contradict "Medical Use." |
| Leather Driving Gloves | NOT COVERED IN PROVIDED DATA. Leather gloves typically fall under Chapter 42 or 41. Request additional classification for leather goods. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Driving Gloves) | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6116.10.55.10 (Textile) |
30.7% | High due to IEEPA + Section 301 |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4014.90.50.00 (Rubber) |
14.2% | Only if fully rubber & medical/hygiene use |
| π¨π³ China | 6116.10.55.10 |
~13-15% | Lower than US, no IEEPA |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6116.10.55 |
~4-12% | Varies by coating thickness |
| π¬π§ UK | 6116.10.55 |
~4-12% | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- US tariffs are the highest globally for Chinese-origin gloves.
- Textile-based driving gloves (6116) face the highest burden (30.7%).
- Rubber/Medical-style gloves (3926/4014) are cheaper (10-14.2%) but strictly regulated for use and material.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Fabric Driving Gloves as Rubber Gloves to save duty.
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals fabric content β Seizure + Penalty + Back Duties.
β Mistake 2: Using "Medical" terminology for non-medical driving gloves.
π Consequence: FDA rejection at port β Return/Shipment Delay.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the IEEPA 10% Surcharge.
π Consequence: Unexpected cost increase β Profit Margin Erosion.
β Mistake 4: Assuming "Seamless" equals a specific HS Code.
π Consequence: Classification error β Audit Risk.
β Correct Action:
"Driving Gloves, Seamless Knitted, Cotton Backing, Nitrile Palm Coating, Non-Medical Use"
β HS Code: 6116.10.55.10
β Duty: 30.7%
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Material First: Rubber vs. Textile?"
πΉ "Use Second: Medical vs. Driving?"
πΉ "Seamless is a Feature, Not a Category!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your driving gloves are 100% Rubber and can be justified as "Hygiene/Medical" (e.g., for cleaning, light industrial hygiene), consider 4014.90.50.00 (14.2%).
- If they are Textile/Fabric, accept the 30.7% duty for 6116.10.55.10 or seek a binding ruling from US Customs.
- Leather gloves are NOT in this data set. Contact us for Chapter 42 guidance.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Your Customs Broker with product photos and material specs.
π Apply for a Binding Ruling if volumes are high.
πΌ Accurate Classification = Predictable Costs = Higher Profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Counts!
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.