Product classification

HS code for Adhesive bandages: 3005.10

Dressings, adhesive, and other articles having an adhesive layer, packed for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes.

Classification of adhesive bandages under HS 3005.10

Adhesive bandages are classified under HS code 300510, which specifically covers "Dressings, adhesive; and other articles having an adhesive layer, packed for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes." This classification falls within Chapter 30, dedicated to pharmaceutical products. The key criteria for inclusion under this heading are the presence of an adhesive layer, their function as a dressing or similar article, and their packaging for retail sale specifically for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary applications. This heading encompasses a wide range of products designed for direct application to wounds or injuries, providing protection and support, and are readily available to consumers or medical professionals in pre-packaged forms.

Covers
  • Plasters (e.g., fabric, plastic, waterproof)
  • Adhesive wound dressings
  • Blister bandages
  • Surgical adhesive strips
  • First-aid adhesive bandages
Also under 3005.10
  • Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages
  • Nexcare Waterproof Bandages
  • Leukoplast Surgical Tape
  • Compeed Blister Plasters
  • Steri-Strip Skin Closures

Codes often confused with 3005.10

Common mistake. Common misclassifications for adhesive bandages often occur when the product lacks one of the defining characteristics of HS code 300510. For instance, non-adhesive bandages, gauze, or wadding, even if intended for medical use, would typically fall under HS code 300590 ("Other wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles"). If an adhesive tape is not specifically designed or marketed as a medical dressing and is not packed for retail sale for medical purposes, it might be classified under other headings. For example, general-purpose adhesive tapes made of rubberized textile fabrics could be classified under HS code 590610, or other adhesive tapes under Chapter 39 (Plastics) or Chapter 48 (Paper). The critical distinction for 300510 is the explicit medical purpose, the adhesive layer, and retail packaging. Products like medical tapes that are not dressings but are used to secure dressings might also be misclassified if they don't meet the "dressing" criteria.

3005.90Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles; (excluding adhesive dressings), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances, packaged for retail sale5906.10Textile fabrics, rubberised; (excluding those of heading no. 5902), adhesive tape of a width not exceeding 20cm

Top exporters and importers of HS 300510 (the code used for adhesive bandages), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300510 (the code used for adhesive bandages) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 300510, not only adhesive bandages.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $982M
  2. 2 United States $765M
  3. 3 Germany $602M

World total: $6.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.1B
  2. 2 Germany $618M
  3. 3 Netherlands $377M

World total: $5.9B 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.

Brazil NCM codes for adhesive bandages

Brazil splits HS 3005.10 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about adhesive bandages

What is the HS code for Adhesive bandages?

The HS code for Adhesive bandages is 300510 (Dressings, adhesive; and other articles having an adhesive layer, packed for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes). The HS code for adhesive bandages is 300510.

How do I classify Adhesive bandages for customs?

Adhesive bandages is classified under HS code 300510 — Dressings, adhesive; and other articles having an adhesive layer, packed for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the material of the bandage affect its HS classification?

While the material (e.g., textile, plastic, paper) is a component of an adhesive bandage, the primary classification under 300510 is determined by its functional characteristics: being an adhesive dressing or similar article, and being packed for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes. The specific material composition is secondary to these functional and packaging criteria for this particular heading.

Which countries are the top exporters of adhesive bandages (HS 300510)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300510 (the code used for adhesive bandages) in UN Comtrade data were China ($982M, 16% of world exports), the United States ($765M) and Germany ($602M). World exports came to about $6.0B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of adhesive bandages (HS 300510)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 300510 (the code used for adhesive bandages) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 18% of world imports), Germany ($618M) and the Netherlands ($377M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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.

Is the HS code for Adhesive bandages the same in all countries?

The base HS code 300510 for Adhesive bandages is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for adhesive bandages in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 300510 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for adhesive bandages depends on the product's details: 3005.10.10 (Medicated adhesive dressings), 3005.10.20 (Transparent adhesive surgical dressings), 3005.10.30 (Waterproof adhesive dressings for mucosa), 3005.10.40 (Adhesive colostomy dressings with obturator), 3005.10.50 (Adhesive wound-closure dressings with zipper), 3005.10.90 (Other adhesive dressings and articles).