disposable plastic gloves food grade
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926201020 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4015191110 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4015195100 | 49.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926204010 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926204010 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§€ Disposable Food-Grade Plastic Gloves
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand βFood-Grade Plastic Glovesβ?
Disposable food-grade plastic gloves are essential protective gear in the food service, healthcare, and hygiene industries. In international trade, they are primarily classified under two major chapters depending on their exact material composition: Chapter 39 (Plastics) or Chapter 40 (Rubber).
Plastic Gloves (Polyethylene/Polypropylene): Made from synthetic polymers like PE or PP. These are the most common "disposable" gloves used in food handling.
Rubber/Synthetic Rubber Gloves (Nitrile/Latex): Made from vulcanized rubber or other polymers. These are often more elastic and durable, sometimes categorized under rubber if they meet specificη‘«ε (vulcanization) criteria.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the material is explicitly Plastic (PE/PP) and conforms to plastic product characteristics β Classified under HS 3926
- If the material is Vulcanized Rubber or fits the "fallback" rubber category β Classified under HS 4015
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes for disposable food-grade gloves, along with their tax implications:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Inference | Total Tax Rate | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3926.20.10.20 |
Disposable Food-Grade Gloves | Plastic (Conforms to disposable & glove limits) | 10.0% | Base: 0.0%, Section 301: 0%, 122-Clause: 10% |
4015.19.11.10 |
Disposable Gloves (Fallback Category) | Vulcanized Rubber or Plastic | 38.0% | Base: 3.0%, Section 301: 25.0%, 122-Clause: 10% |
4015.19.51.00 |
Gloves (Food-Grade Logic) | Vulcanized Rubber or Polymer | 49.0% | Base: 14.0%, Section 301: 25.0%, 122-Clause: 10% |
3926.20.40.10 |
Disposable Plastic Gloves | Plastic (Consistent with plastic product attributes) | 16.5% | Base: 6.5%, Section 301: 0.0%, 122-Clause: 10% |
3926.20.40.10 |
Disposable Powdered Plastic Gloves | Plastic (Fully matches material, form, and single-use features) | 16.5% | Base: 6.5%, Section 301: 0.0%, 122-Clause: 10% |
π Key Reminder:
- Plastic Gloves (3926.xx) generally incur lower total taxes (10%β16.5%) compared to Rubber Gloves (4015.xx) (38%β49%).
- The 122-Clause Tariff (10%) applies to all listed codes, representing a significant additional cost.
- Section 301 Tariffs (25%) heavily impact rubber-based classifications (4015.19.11.10and4015.19.51.00), driving their total tax to 38% and 49% respectively.
π° III. Detailed Tariff Rate Explanation (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current regulations (Check for latest updates)
π― 1. 3926.20.10.20 β Disposable Food-Grade Plastic Gloves
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| 122-Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 10.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Subject to strict customs scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis | HS:3926.20.10.20 + 122-Clause Policy |
π Explanation:
- This code represents the most cost-effective option for food-grade plastic gloves.
- 0% Base + 0% Section 301 means only the 122-Clause 10% applies.
- Ideal for high-volume, low-margin food service industries.
π― 2. 3926.20.40.10 β Disposable Powdered Plastic Gloves
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| 122-Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 16.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 16.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HS:3926.20.40.10 + 122-Clause Policy |
π Explanation:
- Slightly higher than3926.20.10.20due to the 6.5% Base Tariff.
- Still avoids the 25% Section 301 surtax, making it competitive compared to rubber alternatives.
π― 3. 4015.19.11.10 β Disposable Gloves (Fallback Rubber Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122-Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 38.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HS:4015.19.11.10 + Section 301 + 122-Clause |
π Explanation:
- The 25% Section 301 surtax significantly increases costs.
- Only use this code if the material cannot be classified as plastic (e.g., specific rubber blends).
π― 4. 4015.19.51.00 β Gloves (Vulcanized Rubber/Polymer)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122-Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 49.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HS:4015.19.51.00 + Section 301 + 122-Clause |
π Explanation:
- This is the highest tax bracket (49%).
- High base tariff (14%) + Section 301 (25%) + 122-Clause (10%) = 49%.
- Avoid this classification unless absolutely necessary for rubber-specific products.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify material (PE, PP, Nitrile, etc.), thickness, powder-free/powdered. |
| β Food-Grade Certification | βοΈ | FDA compliance documents are critical for "food-grade" claims. |
| β Material Test Report | βοΈ | Third-party lab results confirming plastic vs. rubber composition. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Disposable Food-Grade Gloves" and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail contents to avoid misdeclaration. |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Essential for tariff application. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Material First, Tax Follows; Plastic Saves, Rubber Costs!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| PE/PP Plastic Gloves | 3926.20.10.20 or 3926.20.40.10 |
Misclassify as Rubber β 38-49% Tax |
| Nitrile/Rubber Gloves | 4015.19.11.10 or 4015.19.51.00 |
Misclassify as Plastic β 10-16.5% Tax (Risk of Penalty) |
| Powdered vs. Powder-Free | Specify in description | Ambiguous description β Customs Delay |
| Food-Grade Claim | Provide FDA Compliance Doc | No Documentation β Seizure/Return |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Gloves | Provide customer order + design specs to avoid "non-standard" classification. |
| Mixed Materials | If gloves contain both plastic and rubber components, consult a customs broker for the "essential character" rule. |
| Food-Grade vs. Industrial | Clearly distinguish; industrial gloves may have different HS codes and lower tax rates. |
| Small Quantity Samples | Even small quantities are subject to tariffs; do not assume de minimis exemption applies. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.20.10.20 (Plastic) |
10% (Lowest) | FDA Compliance | Avoid Rubber (4015) due to 49% tax. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.20.10.20 |
5-7% | FDA/GB Standard | Lower export tax, but focus on US entry costs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.20.10.20 |
0-3% (if compliant) | CE/Medical Device Class | No Section 301/122-Clause. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3926.20.10.20 |
5% | TGA Compliance | No additional surtaxes. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.20.10.20 |
3-5% | PMDA Approval | Stable tariff environment. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to 122-Clause (10%) and potential Section 301 (25%) tariffs.
- Plastic gloves (3926) are significantly cheaper to import into the US than Rubber gloves (4015).
- Europe, Australia, and Japan offer lower tariff barriers, making them more cost-effective markets for food-grade gloves.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying plastic gloves as rubber to avoid plastic-specific restrictions
π Consequence: 49% Tax instead of 10% β Profit Margin Destroyed!
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the 122-Clause 10% tariff
π Consequence: Unexpected high costs at customs β Cash Flow Crisis!
β Mistake 3: Missing FDA Documentation for "Food-Grade" claims
π Consequence: Goods detained or returned β Lost Revenue & Reputational Damage!
β Mistake 4: Misdeclaring "Disposable Gloves" without specifying material
π Consequence: Customs inspection delay β Storage Fees & Penalties!
β Correct Approach:
"Disposable Plastic Food-Grade Gloves, PE Material, Powder-Free, FDA Compliant, HS 3926.20.10.20"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic is King, Rubber is Costly; 122-Clause Hits All, Choose Wisely!"
πΉ "HS Code Decides Fate, 39% Difference, Declare Right, Save Big!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your gloves are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, check for IEEPA Exemptions or FTA Benefits to reduce tariffs.
- Consider applying for an Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) to confirm the correct HS Code before shipment.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance, Maximize Profit Margins, and Scale Your Business!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Cost Deserves Precision!
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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.