About HS Code 401512
This HS code covers vulcanised rubber gloves specifically designed for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary applications. These are critical items in healthcare, providing barrier protection against pathogens and contaminants. The global trade in medical gloves is immense, especially amplified by public health crises. Major importers include hospitals, clinics, government health agencies, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, with demand driven by infection control protocols and healthcare worker safety. Exporters are predominantly countries with large-scale rubber glove manufacturing facilities, particularly in Southeast Asia, which benefit from access to raw materials and efficient production lines. Key factors in this trade include material (latex, nitrile, neoprene), sterility, fit, tactile sensitivity, and compliance with international standards (e.g., ASTM, EN). The EUDR tag highlights the importance of ensuring that the natural rubber used in these gloves is sourced responsibly, without contributing to deforestation, which is a growing concern for ethical procurement in the medical supply chain.
Products Under This Code
Surgical gloves, examination gloves, dental gloves, veterinary gloves, sterile medical gloves, non-sterile medical gloves
Real World Examples
Ansell Micro-Touch, Cardinal Health Flexal, Medline Aloetouch, Top Glove, Hartalega
Common Misclassification
This code is distinct from 401519 (other rubber gloves) due to its specific medical application. Confusion can arise if non-medical gloves are mistakenly classified here, or if specialized medical devices containing rubber are not correctly separated from simple gloves.
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.
Products Classified Under 4015.12
Industry
This code belongs to the Automotive & Vehicles industry.
Trade Overview
Top importers are countries with large healthcare sectors, while major exporters are concentrated in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 401512?
HS code 401512 covers: Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, of a kind used for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes. This HS code covers vulcanised rubber gloves specifically designed for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary applications. These are critical items in healthcare, providing barrier protection against pathogens and contaminants. The global trade in medical gloves is immense, especially amplified by public health crises. Major importers include hospitals, clinics, government health agencies, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, with demand driven by infection control protocols and healthcare worker safety. Exporters are predominantly countries with large-scale rubber glove manufacturing facilities, particularly in Southeast Asia, which benefit from access to raw materials and efficient production lines. Key factors in this trade include material (latex, nitrile, neoprene), sterility, fit, tactile sensitivity, and compliance with international standards (e.g., ASTM, EN). The EUDR tag highlights the importance of ensuring that the natural rubber used in these gloves is sourced responsibly, without contributing to deforestation, which is a growing concern for ethical procurement in the medical supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 401512?
Surgical gloves, examination gloves, dental gloves, veterinary gloves, sterile medical gloves, non-sterile medical gloves
What are common misclassifications for HS code 401512?
This code is distinct from 401519 (other rubber gloves) due to its specific medical application. Confusion can arise if non-medical gloves are mistakenly classified here, or if specialized medical devices containing rubber are not correctly separated from simple gloves.
How is HS code 401512 structured?
HS code 401512 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (40) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.