HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 40.14 – Hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (including teats), of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, with or without fittings of hard rubber
What HS 40.14 covers
Heading 4014 encompasses hygienic or pharmaceutical articles, including teats, made of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, with or without fittings of hard rubber. This classification is immensely significant for trade compliance due to the sensitive nature and strict regulatory requirements of medical and hygiene products. The scope is broad, covering a wide array of items from personal care to surgical instruments, all characterized by their vulcanised rubber composition (excluding hard rubber). Examples range from condoms and baby bottle teats to medical gloves, hot water bottles, and certain medical tubing. The phrase 'with or without fittings of hard rubber' clarifies that the presence of minor hard rubber components does not alter the classification. Why this matters for compliance is multifaceted: products under 4014 often require specific health certifications (e.g., FDA, CE mark), sterility standards, and can be subject to different tariff rates or import restrictions than general rubber articles. Its position within Chapter 40, 'Rubber and articles thereof,' emphasizes the material composition while its specific description highlights the functional purpose, distinguishing it from other rubber goods. This ensures that products critical for public health and well-being are accurately categorized and regulated.
- Covers
- Rubber condoms
- Rubber teats (pacifiers)
- Rubber baby bottle nipples
- Hot water bottles (rubber)
- Ice bags (rubber)
- Douche bags (rubber)
- Enema bags (rubber)
- Medical examination rubber gloves
- Surgical rubber gloves
- Rubber finger cots
- Rubber bulbs for medical droppers
- Rubber syringe bulbs
- Rubber catheters
- Rubber urinary bags
- Medical tubing (rubber)
- Dental dams (rubber)
- Menstrual cups (rubber)
- Rubber diaphragms (contraceptive)
- Breast pump parts (rubber)
- Rubber ear syringes
- Rubber resuscitation bags
- Rubber wound drainage bulbs
- Rubber tourniquets
- Rubber orthopedic cushions
- Rubber pessaries
- Examples
A major German medical supplier imports vast quantities of surgical rubber gloves from Malaysia, ensuring they meet stringent EU medical device regulations and quality standards for hospitals and clinics across Europe. A US-based baby product company sources rubber teats and pacifiers from a specialized manufacturer in China, requiring FDA approval and adherence to child safety standards for distribution throughout North America. An Indian pharmaceutical company imports custom-molded rubber stoppers and seals for injectable drug vials from a European supplier, where these 'fittings' are integral to maintaining drug sterility and integrity. A Brazilian health product distributor imports rubber menstrual cups from a Thai manufacturer. A Japanese elderly care provider imports rubber hot water bottles from Vietnam for use in nursing homes.
Subheadings under 40.14 2
Codes often confused with 40.14
Common mistake. Common misclassification errors include confusing hygienic or pharmaceutical articles of rubber (4014) with general articles of vulcanised rubber (4016) or articles of apparel (4015). The key differentiator for 4014 is the 'hygienic or pharmaceutical' purpose. For instance, medical examination gloves belong here, but household cleaning gloves fall under 4015. Traders might also misclassify items if they contain minor non-rubber components, but 4014 specifically allows for 'fittings of hard rubber.' Conversely, items made of hard rubber are excluded from this heading (refer to Chapter 40 Note 4). The functional intent and primary use are critical for accurate classification, especially given the regulatory implications of medical products.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 4014, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 4014 in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 8.4% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $290M 20% of world exports
- 2 France $248M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $189M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $134M 8.4% of world imports
- 2 United States $113M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 Italy $102M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 40.14
What is HS code 4014?
HS code 4014 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (including teats), of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, with or without fittings of hard rubber. Heading 4014 encompasses hygienic or pharmaceutical articles, including teats, made of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, with or without fittings of hard rubber. This classification is immensely significant for trade compliance due to the sensitive nature and strict regulatory requirements of medical and hygiene products. The scope is broad, covering a wide array of items from personal care to surgical instruments, all characterized by their vulcanised rubber composition (excluding hard rubber). Examples range from condoms and baby bottle teats to medical gloves, hot water bottles, and certain medical tubing. The phrase 'with or without fittings of hard rubber' clarifies that the presence of minor hard rubber components does not alter the classification. Why this matters for compliance is multifaceted: products under 4014 often require specific health certifications (e.g., FDA, CE mark), sterility standards, and can be subject to different tariff rates or import restrictions than general rubber articles. Its position within Chapter 40, 'Rubber and articles thereof,' emphasizes the material composition while its specific description highlights the functional purpose, distinguishing it from other rubber goods. This ensures that products critical for public health and well-being are accurately categorized and regulated.
What products fall under HS code 4014?
Rubber condoms, rubber teats (pacifiers), rubber baby bottle nipples, hot water bottles (rubber), ice bags (rubber), douche bags (rubber), enema bags (rubber), medical examination rubber gloves, surgical rubber gloves, rubber finger cots, rubber bulbs for medical droppers, rubber syringe bulbs, rubber catheters, rubber urinary bags, medical tubing (rubber), dental dams (rubber), menstrual cups (rubber), rubber diaphragms (contraceptive), breast pump parts (rubber), rubber ear syringes, rubber resuscitation bags, rubber wound drainage bulbs, rubber tourniquets, rubber orthopedic cushions, rubber pessaries
What are common misclassifications for HS code 4014?
Common misclassification errors include confusing hygienic or pharmaceutical articles of rubber (4014) with general articles of vulcanised rubber (4016) or articles of apparel (4015). The key differentiator for 4014 is the 'hygienic or pharmaceutical' purpose. For instance, medical examination gloves belong here, but household cleaning gloves fall under 4015. Traders might also misclassify items if they contain minor non-rubber components, but 4014 specifically allows for 'fittings of hard rubber.' Conversely, items made of hard rubber are excluded from this heading (refer to Chapter 40 Note 4). The functional intent and primary use are critical for accurate classification, especially given the regulatory implications of medical products.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 4014?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 4014 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($290M, 20% of world exports), France ($248M) and China ($189M). World exports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 4014?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 4014 in UN Comtrade data were China ($134M, 8.4% of world imports), the United States ($113M) and Italy ($102M). World imports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 4014 structured?
HS code 4014 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 40 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (40) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (14) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.