Surgical Latex 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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𧀠Surgical Latex Gloves (Surgical Examination Gloves)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Surgical Latex Gloves"?
Surgical latex gloves are critical personal protective equipment (PPE) used in medical environments. In international trade, they are primarily classified based on their material (natural rubber/latex) and form (gloves).
Key distinctions in classification depend on: 1. Material Composition: Pure latex (rubber) vs. synthetic/rubber blends vs. coated textiles. 2. Manufacturing Process: Moulded seamless vs. knitted/ι©ηΌ (crocheted/knitted) and dipped. 3. Medical Specificity: "Surgical" implies sterile, high-protection standards, often affecting HS Code precision.
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If made of vulcanized rubber (natural latex) and formed as gloves β Falls under Chapter 40 (Rubber).
- If made of textiles (knitted/crocheted) and coated with rubber/plastic β Falls under Chapter 61 (Apparel Accessories).
- If seamless plastic/rubber without textile base β Falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics) or 40 (Rubber) depending on exact material.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes for Surgical Latex Gloves, their descriptions, and tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Form |
|---|---|---|---|
4015.12.90.00 |
Medical gloves, purpose: medical, form: gloves, material inferred as vulcanized rubber | Standard surgical latex gloves, non-specific subtype | β Vulcanized Rubber |
4015.12.10.10 |
Medical gloves, purpose and form fully match HS code definition | Sterile surgical latex gloves, specific subtype | β Vulcanized Rubber |
6116.10.95.00 |
Knitted/crocheted gloves, possibly impregnated with rubber or plastic | Textile-based gloves with rubber coating | β Knitted + Rubber Coating |
6116.10.65.00 |
Coated/impregnated knitted/crocheted gloves, purpose: medical | Medical textile gloves with rubber/plastic layer | β Knitted + Medical Use |
3926.20.10.10 |
Seamless gloves for surgical and medical use, material inferred as plastic/rubber | Seamless synthetic/plastic-based surgical gloves | β Plastic/Rubber (Seamless) |
π Key Reminder:
- HS Code4015.12is the primary category for rubber gloves. The difference between.90.00and.10.10often lies in specific subtype definitions or regulatory tracking requirements.
- HS Code6116.10applies if the base material is textile (knitted/crocheted) and then treated with rubber/plastic.
- HS Code3926.20applies if the glove is seamless and made primarily of plastic or synthetic rubber materials not falling under standard rubber glove definitions.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharge, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Includes imports from 2025 onwards
π― 1. 4015.12.90.00 ββ Rubber Surgical Gloves (General Subtype)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 49.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High tariff prevents de minimis exemption) |
| Legal Path | Base 14% + Section 301 25% + Section 122 10% |
π Explanation:
- This code represents standard vulcanized rubber surgical gloves.
- The 49% total rate is high due to the combination of base duty, Section 301 tariffs (trade war surcharge), and Section 122 tariffs (national security surcharge).
π― 2. 4015.12.10.10 ββ Specific Medical Rubber Gloves
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 100.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 110.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 110.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base 0% + Section 301 100% + Section 122 10% |
π Warning:
- This specific subtype has a 0% base tariff, but is subject to a massive 100% Section 301 surcharge.
- Total Rate: 110%. This is extremely high and makes this code highly costly for importers. Ensure this is the correct specific subtype; if you can prove it fits4015.12.90.00, the rate drops to 49%.
π― 3. 6116.10.95.00 ββ Knitted/Crocheted Gloves with Rubber/Plastic Impregnation
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 24.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base 7% + Section 301 7.5% + Section 122 10% |
π Explanation:
- If your gloves are textile-based (knitted) and then dipped in rubber/plastic for medical use, this code may apply.
- Total Rate: 24.5%. This is significantly lower than the pure rubber codes (4015.12), making it a potentially more cost-effective classification if the product structure allows.
π― 4. 6116.10.65.00 ββ Coated Knitted Gloves, Medical Purpose
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| > Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 24.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base 7% + Section 301 7.5% + Section 122 10% |
π Explanation:
- Similar to6116.10.95.00, but specifically for medical-purpose coated textiles.
- Total Rate: 24.5%. Verify if the "medical purpose" designation and "coated textile" structure match your product.
π― 5. 3926.20.10.10 ββ Seamless Surgical/Medical Gloves (Plastic/Rubber)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base 0% + Section 301 0% + Section 122 10% |
π Advantage:
- This is the lowest tax rate (10%) among all options.
- However, it requires the gloves to be seamless and classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics) or specific rubber classifications that qualify for this code.
- If your gloves are truly "seamless" and made of specific synthetic materials, this code offers significant cost savings. Do not misclassify pure latex gloves here unless they legally fit the "plastic" definition under USITC rules.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Essential Documents)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material composition (latex vs. nitrile vs. PVC), thickness, sterile/non-sterile status. |
| β Technical Drawings/Photos | βοΈ | Show if gloves are knitted+coated vs. seamless moulded. Crucial for distinguishing Chapter 40 vs. 61. |
| β Third-Party Test Reports | βοΈ | FDA 510(k) clearance, CE Mark, ASTM D6319 (Surgical) or D3578 (Exam) standards. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Surgical Gloves", material, and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail box/pallet contents. Avoid mixing different HS codes in one shipment without clear separation. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | If applicable for other markets, but for US, origin declaration is key for Section 301/122 application. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βMaterial Determines Chapter, Form Determines Subtype, Accuracy Saves Money!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Consequence of Error |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Latex, Moulded | 4015.12.xxxx |
Misclassifying as 6116 (24.5%) might seem cheaper, but if customs proves it's rubber, you face 110% or 49% + penalties. |
| Knitted + Rubber Dip | 6116.10.xxxx |
Misclassifying as 4015 (49%+) leads to overpayment. Misclassifying as 3926 leads to underpayment. |
| Seamless Synthetic | 3926.20.10.10 |
Only use if material is truly plastic/synthetic rubber qualifying for Ch 39. Otherwise, risk 110% or 49%. |
| Medical Purpose | Ensure "Medical" is stated | Affects inspection priority but not always tariff rate directly, though some codes (like 6116.10.65.00) specify medical use. |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Gloves | Provide customer specs to prove material and form. Avoid generic "Gloves" description. |
| Sterile vs. Non-Sterile | Sterile gloves often require FDA registration. Ensure documentation matches the HS Code's medical intent. |
| Mixed Shipment | Do not mix 4015 (high tax) with 6116 (lower tax) in the same declaration line item. Separate clearly. |
| Section 122 Exemption | Currently, most medical gloves from China are subject to Section 122 (10%). Check for any recent exclusions. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4015.12 / 6116.10 / 3926.20 |
10% - 110% | FDA 510(k) | Section 301 & 122 apply heavily. |
| π¨π³ China | 4015.12 / 6116.10 |
5% - 8% | NMPA | Lower tariffs, no US surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4015.19 / 6116.10 |
0% - 4.5% | CE MDR Class I | No Section 301/122. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4015.19 / 6116.10 |
0% - 4.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit standards apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4015.19 / 6116.10 |
0% - 3% | PMDA | Low tariffs, strict quality control. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to layered tariffs (Base + 301 + 122).
- EU, UK, Japan have significantly lower tariffs and no US-style surcharges.
- Strategy: If exporting to the US, carefully select the HS Code that legally offers the lowest rate (e.g.,3926.20.10.10at 10% if applicable, or6116at 24.5% vs.4015at 49% or 110%).
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying Knitted+Coated gloves as Pure Rubber (4015)
π Consequence: You pay 49% or 110% when you could have paid 24.5%.
π Solution: Prove the textile base with technical data sheets.
β Error 2: Classifying Pure Latex gloves as Plastic (3926)
π Consequence: Customs audit finds natural rubber content β 110% or 49% retroactively + fines.
π Solution: Do not misclassify material. Latex is rubber, not plastic.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 in tariff calculation
π Consequence: Budget shortfall. Many forget the extra 10% on top of 301.
π Solution: Always include Section 122 (10%) in cost models for US imports from China.
β Error 4: Using vague descriptions like "Latex Gloves"
π Consequence: Customs delays, random inspections, potential reclassification.
π Solution: Use precise terms: "Surgical Examination Gloves, Vulcanized Rubber, Moulded, Sterile".
β Correct Approach:
"Surgical Gloves, Natural Rubber, Moulded, Sterile, ASTM D6319 Compliant, HS Code: 4015.12.90.00"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision in Classification, Savings in Customs!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Rubber in Ch 40, Textile in Ch 61, Plastic in Ch 39."
πΉ "Seamless Plastic = 10% (Best), Knitted Coated = 24.5% (Good), Pure Latex = 49-110% (High)."
πΉ "Don't Misclassify! Audit Risks Cost More Than Tariffs!"
π Tip:
If your gloves can technically qualify as seamless plastic/synthetic (3926.20.10.10), pursue this classification for the 10% rate. If they are knitted textiles with rubber dip, use 6116.10 for 24.5%. Avoid 4015.12.10.10 if possible due to the 110% rate, unless you are certain it's the only compliant code for your specific product type.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker to verify the material composition and manufacturing process against the HS Code definitions.
π Optimize your tariff burden with accurate classification!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Saved is Profit Earned!
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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.