HS Code 96.19 – Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any material

HS code 9619 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any material. Heading 9619 encompasses a broad range of essential hygiene products, specifically 'Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any material.' In international trade, this heading is critical for classifying items designed for personal hygiene and absorption, whether for infants, adults, or feminine care. The scope includes disposable articles primarily made from materials like cellulose pulp, non-woven textiles, superabsorbent polymers, and plastic films, designed for single-use absorption and containment. It differentiates these finished consumer goods from raw materials (e.g., non-woven fabrics in Chapter 56, plastics in Chapter 39) or reusable textile articles (e.g., washable cloth diapers in Chapter 61 or 62). Key sub-categories include feminine hygiene products (sanitary pads, pantyliners, tampons), baby care products (disposable diapers, training pants, diaper liners), and adult incontinence products (adult diapers, protective underwear, pads). This classification is vital for trade compliance due to varying tariffs, import regulations, and health standards across countries. Given the universal need for these products, trade in heading 9619 goods is significant, particularly with global supply chains and humanitarian aid efforts. It falls under Chapter 96, 'Miscellaneous manufactured articles,' underscoring its nature as a finished, ready-to-use product rather than a component or a primary material.

Disposable feminine sanitary pads, absorbent pantyliners, menstrual tampons, disposable baby diapers, pull-up training pants, baby diaper liners, adult incontinence briefs, adult protective underwear, bed pads for incontinence, post-partum maternity pads, breast pads, surgical absorbent pads (non-medicinal), disposable swim diapers, absorbent underpads, catamenial cups (disposable absorbent type), feminine hygiene wipes (if absorbent), disposable changing pads, disposable nursing pads, male incontinence guards, disposable absorbent sheets, absorbent wound dressings (non-medicinal), disposable menstrual discs (absorbent), absorbent seat liners, disposable pet training pads (for domestic use), disposable absorbent floor mats.

Common misclassifications under heading 9619 often arise from confusion with raw materials or other finished goods. Traders might mistakenly classify non-woven fabrics used in diapers under Chapter 56 (Wadding, felt and nonwovens) instead of the finished diaper. Another error involves classifying reusable textile articles, such as washable cloth diapers, under 9619; these belong in Chapter 61 or 62 (Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted, or not knitted or crocheted, respectively) if made from textiles. Products with medicinal properties, like certain medicated wound dressings, should be classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products), not 9619. The key distinction for 9619 is its nature as a disposable, absorbent, finished article for personal hygiene, made of any material, and not primarily for medical treatment or textile reuse.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9619 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.9B, 21% of world exports), Czechia ($1.5B) and Germany ($1.4B). World exports came to about $18.3B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9619 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.0B, 11% of world imports), Germany ($1.2B) and the United Kingdom ($990M). World imports came to about $18.2B, 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.

HS code 9619 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 96 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (19) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.