Product classification
HS code for Examination gloves: 4015.12
Rubber, vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, of a kind used for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes.
Classification of examination gloves under HS 4015.12
Examination gloves made of vulcanized rubber are classified under HS code 4015.12. This classification falls under Chapter 40, which covers rubber and articles thereof, and specifically heading 4015, which pertains to articles of apparel and clothing accessories for all purposes, made of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber. The subheading 4015.12 is specifically designated for gloves, mittens, and mitts used for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes. The classification is determined by the material composition (vulcanized rubber) and the intended use of the product. These gloves are typically designed to provide a biological barrier between the healthcare provider and the patient. They may be sterile or non-sterile, and powdered or powder-free, but as long as they are made of vulcanized rubber and intended for clinical examination or procedures, they fall under this code. This includes both natural rubber latex and synthetic rubbers like nitrile or polychloroprene, provided they have been vulcanized. The distinction is critical because it separates medical-grade protective gear from industrial or household gloves.
- Covers
- Disposable nitrile examination gloves
- Latex surgical gloves
- Non-sterile dental examination gloves
- Veterinary procedure gloves
- Powder-free medical gloves made of vulcanized rubber
- Also under 4015.12
- Ansell Micro-Touch
- Cardinal Health Flexal
- Medline Aloetouch
- Top Glove
- Hartalega
Codes often confused with 4015.12
Common mistake. Examination gloves are often misclassified under 4015.19, which is the 'other' category for rubber gloves, such as those used for household cleaning or industrial work. Another common error is using 3926.20, which applies to gloves made of plastics (like PVC or vinyl). If the glove is made of a synthetic polymer that does not meet the definition of 'rubber' in Chapter 40, or if it is not vulcanized, it must be classified in Chapter 39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401512 (the code used for examination gloves), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401512 (the code used for examination gloves) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% 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 401512, not only examination gloves.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $2.4B 42% of world exports
- 2 China $1.3B 22% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $845M 15% of world exports
World total: $5.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.0B 37% of world imports
- 2 Germany $492M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $178M 3.3% of world imports
World total: $5.4B 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 code for examination gloves
Brazil classifies examination gloves under NCM 4015.12.00: HS 4015.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 examination gloves
What is the HS code for Examination gloves?
The HS code for Examination gloves is 401512 (Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, of a kind used for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes). The HS code for vulcanized rubber examination gloves used for medical purposes is 4015.12.
How do I classify Examination gloves for customs?
Examination gloves is classified under HS code 401512 — Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, of a kind used for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are vinyl examination gloves classified under 4015.12?
No, vinyl gloves are made of plastic and are classified under HS code 3926.20, as 4015.12 is strictly for vulcanized rubber.
Which countries are the top exporters of examination gloves (HS 401512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401512 (the code used for examination gloves) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($2.4B, 42% of world exports), China ($1.3B) and Thailand ($845M). World exports came to about $5.7B, 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 examination gloves (HS 401512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401512 (the code used for examination gloves) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.0B, 37% of world imports), Germany ($492M) and the United Kingdom ($178M). World imports came to about $5.4B, 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 Examination gloves the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401512 for Examination gloves 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 examination gloves in Brazil?
In Brazil, examination gloves (HS 401512) is classified under NCM 4015.12.00.