gut hemostatic material
CN β USProduct Images
AI Analysis
π©Έ Gut Hemostatic Material (Hemostats)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly is "Gut Hemostatic Material"?
Gut Hemostatic Material typically refers to surgical devices made from chromicized catgut (collagen derived from sheep or cattle intestine) or synthetic absorbable sutures used to tie off blood vessels (ligature) and achieve hemostasis (stop bleeding) during surgery.
In international trade, these are strictly regulated medical supplies. The classification depends heavily on whether they are absorbable sutures (for internal tissue) or non-absorbable, and whether they are prepared for retail sale (e.g., in sterile packs with needles).
Key Distinction:
- Absorbable Sutures (Catgut/Chromic Gut): Used for internal tissues that heal naturally. These fall under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceuticals) or Chapter 90 (Medical Instruments), depending on specific preparation.
- Non-Absorbable/Other Materials: May fall under different headings if not considered "pharmaceutical preparations."
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is chromic catgut suture (absorbable), it is generally classified under 3006.99 or 9018.39.
- If it is a surgical instrument (forceps, clamps) used to apply hemostasis (not the material itself), it falls under 9018.90.
- Note: The prompt specifies "Gut Hemostatic Material," which strongly implies absorbable sutures made of catgut.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Absorbable? |
|---|---|---|---|
3006.99.50.00 |
Surgical dressings and other articles for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes (incl. catgut, collagen, etc.) | Chromic Catgut Sutures, absorbable ligatures, sterile surgical packs | β Yes |
9018.39.00.00 |
Syringes, needles, catheters and similar apparatus (incl. suture needles) | Suture needles with attached absorbable/non-absorbable threads | β /β No |
3004.90.99.00 |
Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products | If marketed as a "hemostatic agent" (powder/foam) rather than suture | β Yes |
9018.90.90.00 |
Other instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences | Hemostats (clamps/forceps) β NOT the material | β No (Instrument) |
6307.90.98.90 |
Other made-up articles (non-medical) | Non-sterile, non-medical grade gut strings (rare) | N/A |
π Key Reminder:
- Most "Gut Hemostatic Materials" (Catgut Sutures) fall under3006.99.50.00. This is because catgut is considered a surgical dressing/preparation derived from animal intestine.
- Do NOT classify as9018unless it is a needle with attached thread. The material itself (the gut string) is 3006.
- Ensure the product is sterile. Non-sterile catgut may face stricter regulatory hurdles or different classifications.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes, Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3006.99.50.00 β Surgical Dressings and Other Articles for Medical Use (Catgut Sutures)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tax Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | +25% (Under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (Against China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tax Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3006.99.50.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "USITC Surtax 25%": Comes from Section 301 of the Trade Act, targeting specific Chinese medical supplies.
- "IEEPA 10%": Additional tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total 45% is a very high tariff. This applies to catgut sutures, collagen hemostats, and similar absorbable surgical materials.
π― 2. 9018.39.00.00 β Suture Needles with Attached Threads (If Applicable)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tax Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9018.39.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- If your "Gut Hemostatic Material" includes needles (pre-mounted sutures), it is classified here.
- Even if the thread is absorbable, the presence of the needle can shift classification to 9018, but the tariff rate remains 45% for Chinese origin.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Are Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify material (Catgut/Chromic Catgut), absorbability, sterile status, dimensions. |
| β Sterilization Certificate | βοΈ | Proof of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) or Gamma sterilization. Critical for Chapter 30. |
| β FDA Establishment Registration & Device Listing | βοΈ | Must be FDA-registered. Non-listed devices will be detained. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clear description: "Sterile Chromic Catgut Sutures, Surgical Hemostatic Material, HS 3006.99.50.00" |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | To confirm Chinese origin (for tariff calculation). |
| β FCC/CE/RoHS Reports | β Not Applicable | Medical devices follow FDA/MDR, not consumer electronics standards. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show units, net/gross weight, and batch/lot numbers. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Catgut is Pharma, Needle is Instrument, Sterile is Key, FDA is King!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Catgut Sutures (no needle) | 3006.99.50.00 |
Misclassifying as 9018 β Delay |
| Sutures with Needle | 9018.39.00.00 |
Misclassifying as 3006 β Penalty |
| Hemostatic Gauze/Matrix | 3006.99.50.00 |
Misclassifying as 6307 β High Risk |
| Surgical Clamps (Tool) | 9018.90.90.00 |
Confusing tool with material |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Provide manufacturer authorization and FDA listing proof under your brand. |
| Non-Sterile Gut | Rare for surgical use. If non-sterile, it may be classified differently and face stricter import controls. Ensure Sterile. |
| Synthetic Absorbable (Vicryl/PDS) | Also often falls under 3006.99.50.00 or 9018.39.00.00. Same tariff rate (45%). |
| Medical Device Exemption | No general exemption for medical supplies from Section 301/IEEPA tariffs unless specifically excluded (very rare for sutures). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3006.99.50.00 |
45% (CN Origin) | FDA 510(k)/Listing | High tariff due to Section 301 |
| π¨π³ China | 3006.99.50.00 |
6.5% | NMPA (CFDA) | Domestic production favored |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3006.99 |
0% (if MDR compliant) | CE Mark (MDR) | No additional surtaxes |
| π¬π§ UK | 3006.99 |
0% (if UKCA) | UKCA Mark | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3006.99 |
0% | PMDA Approval | No surtaxes |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market imposing a 45% tariff on Chinese-made gut hemostatic materials.
- EU and Japan remain tariff-free (if compliant with medical regulations), making them more attractive for cost-sensitive markets.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Classifying as "Textile Product" (Chapter 63)
π Consequence: FDA detention + Back taxes + Penalties. Catgut is a medical/pharmaceutical product, not a textile.
β Error 2: Omitting "Sterile" in Description
π Consequence: Customs may suspect non-medical grade, leading to inspection delays or rejection.
β Error 3: Confusing "Hemostatic Material" with "Hemostat Tool"
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code. Material = 3006/9018; Tool = 9018.90. Different tariffs and regulations.
β Error 4: Assuming "Medical Exemption" from Section 301
π Consequence: No exemption for most catgut sutures. Prepare for 45% cost.
β Correct Description Example:
"STERILE Chromic Catgut Surgical Suture, Absorbable, for Soft Tissue Approximation and Ligation, Medical Device, FDA Listed, Model XYZ, Batch No. ABC"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time and Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Catgut is 3006, Needle is 9018, Sterile is Mandatory, FDA is Key!"
πΉ "45% Tariff in USA, Plan Ahead, Avoid Detention, Ensure Profit!"
π Pro Tip:
If your gut hemostatic material is manufactured in Vietnam, India, or Thailand, you may avoid the IEEPA/Section 301 surcharges, reducing the tariff to 0%~10%.
β
Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling with US CBP if unsure about classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide FDA Listing Number + Verify Sterilization Method
π Ensure your Gut Hemostatic Material clears US Customs smoothly, minimizing costs and delays!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Margins Depend on Precision!
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.