HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 40.15 – Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts), for all purposes, of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber
What HS 40.15 covers
Heading 4015 covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories, including gloves, mittens, and mitts, for all purposes, made of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber. This classification is broad, encompassing a diverse range of items where vulcanised rubber is the predominant material, serving protective, functional, or fashion roles. The scope includes industrial safety gear like rubber gloves and aprons, specialized sportswear such as diving suits, and everyday items like rubber raincoats or belts. The crucial distinction is the material: these items must be 'of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber,' differentiating them from similar articles made of textiles (Chapters 61, 62, 63) or plastics (Chapter 39). The phrase 'for all purposes' emphasizes the wide applicability, from occupational safety to recreational activities. Accurate classification under 4015 is vital for determining correct tariff rates, complying with safety standards for protective wear, and navigating specific import restrictions or quotas that might apply to apparel items. This heading highlights how Chapter 40, 'Rubber and articles thereof,' extends beyond industrial components to finished consumer goods, requiring a keen eye for material composition over mere appearance when classifying.
- Covers
- Household rubber gloves
- Industrial protective rubber gloves
- Rubber aprons
- Rubber diving suits (wetsuits/drysuits)
- Rubber raincoats
- Rubber swim caps
- Rubber belts
- Rubber wristbands
- Rubber shoe covers
- Rubberized textile apparel (where rubber predominates)
- Rubberized protective sleeves
- Rubberized bibs
- Rubberized overshoes
- Rubberized headwear
- Rubberized protective footwear (if classified as accessory, not footwear)
- Rubberized smocks
- Rubberized arm guards
- Rubberized leg guards
- Rubberized waist belts
- Rubberized elbow pads
- Rubberized knee pads
- Rubberized chest protectors
- Rubberized fishing waders
- Rubberized gauntlets
- Examples
A European safety equipment distributor imports thousands of heavy-duty industrial rubber gloves from China to supply manufacturing plants and construction companies across the EU, ensuring compliance with occupational safety standards. A US outdoor recreation company sources specialized rubber diving suits (wetsuits) from Taiwan for its sporting goods stores and online platform, catering to divers and surfers. A Japanese fashion retailer imports stylish rubber raincoats and boots from Vietnam, targeting urban consumers seeking functional yet fashionable weather protection. An Australian agricultural supplier imports rubberized protective aprons from India for farm workers. A Canadian ice hockey equipment manufacturer imports rubberized protective pads for player gear from South Korea.
Subheadings under 40.15 3
Codes often confused with 40.15
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing articles under 4015 with textile apparel with rubber components (e.g., Chapters 61 or 62). The key is the 'of vulcanised rubber' criterion, meaning rubber must be the predominant material. If rubber is merely a coating or a minor component, the article likely falls under textile chapters. Another error is misclassifying medical rubber gloves (4014) as general apparel gloves (4015); the 'hygienic or pharmaceutical' purpose is the deciding factor for 4014. Footwear primarily of rubber (Chapter 64) is also distinct, even if worn as apparel. Always evaluate the primary material composition and intended purpose to avoid misclassification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 4015, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 4015 in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 Malaysia $3.4B 35% of world exports
- 2 China $2.1B 22% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $1.4B 15% of world exports
World total: $9.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.9B 27% of world imports
- 2 Germany $790M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Poland $766M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $11.0B 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.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about HS 40.15
What is HS code 4015?
HS code 4015 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts), for all purposes, of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber. Heading 4015 covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories, including gloves, mittens, and mitts, for all purposes, made of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber. This classification is broad, encompassing a diverse range of items where vulcanised rubber is the predominant material, serving protective, functional, or fashion roles. The scope includes industrial safety gear like rubber gloves and aprons, specialized sportswear such as diving suits, and everyday items like rubber raincoats or belts. The crucial distinction is the material: these items must be 'of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber,' differentiating them from similar articles made of textiles (Chapters 61, 62, 63) or plastics (Chapter 39). The phrase 'for all purposes' emphasizes the wide applicability, from occupational safety to recreational activities. Accurate classification under 4015 is vital for determining correct tariff rates, complying with safety standards for protective wear, and navigating specific import restrictions or quotas that might apply to apparel items. This heading highlights how Chapter 40, 'Rubber and articles thereof,' extends beyond industrial components to finished consumer goods, requiring a keen eye for material composition over mere appearance when classifying.
What products fall under HS code 4015?
Household rubber gloves, industrial protective rubber gloves, rubber aprons, rubber diving suits (wetsuits/drysuits), rubber raincoats, rubber swim caps, rubber belts, rubber wristbands, rubber shoe covers, rubberized textile apparel (where rubber predominates), rubberized protective sleeves, rubberized bibs, rubberized overshoes, rubberized headwear, rubberized protective footwear (if classified as accessory, not footwear), rubberized smocks, rubberized arm guards, rubberized leg guards, rubberized waist belts, rubberized elbow pads, rubberized knee pads, rubberized chest protectors, rubberized fishing waders, rubberized gauntlets
What are common misclassifications for HS code 4015?
A common misclassification involves confusing articles under 4015 with textile apparel with rubber components (e.g., Chapters 61 or 62). The key is the 'of vulcanised rubber' criterion, meaning rubber must be the predominant material. If rubber is merely a coating or a minor component, the article likely falls under textile chapters. Another error is misclassifying medical rubber gloves (4014) as general apparel gloves (4015); the 'hygienic or pharmaceutical' purpose is the deciding factor for 4014. Footwear primarily of rubber (Chapter 64) is also distinct, even if worn as apparel. Always evaluate the primary material composition and intended purpose to avoid misclassification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 4015?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 4015 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($3.4B, 35% of world exports), China ($2.1B) and Thailand ($1.4B). World exports came to about $9.8B, 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 4015?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 4015 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.9B, 27% of world imports), Germany ($790M) and Poland ($766M). World imports came to about $11.0B, 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 4015 structured?
HS code 4015 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 40 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (40) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (15) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.