Product classification

HS code for Band-aids: 3005.10

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

Classification of band-aids under HS 3005.10

Band-aids, generically known as adhesive bandages, are classified under HS code 3005.10. This classification falls within Chapter 30, which covers pharmaceutical products. Heading 3005 specifically includes wadding, gauze, bandages, and similar articles that are either impregnated with pharmaceutical substances or put up in forms for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes. Subheading 3005.10 is dedicated to "adhesive dressings and other articles having an adhesive layer." The classification is determined by two main factors: the presence of an adhesive backing and the packaging for retail sale for medical use. Even if the bandage is not medicated, its primary function as a sterile medical dressing with an adhesive component satisfies the requirements of this code. This classification follows GRI 1 and the specific subheadings of the Harmonized System.

Covers
  • Adhesive bandages (standard Band-aids)
  • Sterile adhesive wound dressings
  • Plastic or fabric adhesive plasters
  • First-aid adhesive strips
  • Waterproof 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. A common misclassification is HS code 3005.90, which is for "other" dressings that do not have an adhesive layer, such as plain gauze or bandages that require a separate tape. Another error involves HS code 3824.99, which is a general category for chemical products; however, because Band-aids are finished medical dressings, Chapter 30 is the correct and more specific location. Additionally, liquid bandages are sometimes incorrectly classified here, but they may fall under different codes depending on their chemical composition.

3005.90Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles; (excluding adhesive dressings), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances, packaged for retail sale3824.99Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; n.e.c. heading 3824

Top exporters and importers of HS 300510 (the code used for band-aids), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300510 (the code used for band-aids) 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 band-aids.

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 band-aids

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 band-aids

What is the HS code for Band-aids?

The HS code for Band-aids 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 Band-aids and similar adhesive bandages is 3005.10, which covers adhesive dressings for retail medical sale.

How do I classify Band-aids for customs?

Band-aids 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.

Do non-sterile adhesive bandages use the same code?

Yes, as long as they are adhesive dressings put up for retail sale for medical or surgical purposes, they are classified under 3005.10, regardless of whether they are explicitly labeled as sterile.

Which countries are the top exporters of band-aids (HS 300510)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300510 (the code used for band-aids) 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 band-aids (HS 300510)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 300510 (the code used for band-aids) 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 Band-aids the same in all countries?

The base HS code 300510 for Band-aids 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 band-aids in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 300510 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for band-aids 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).