Product classification
HS code for Hot water bottles: 4014.90
Rubber, vulcanised (other than hard rubber), hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (excluding sheath contraceptives), with or without fittings of hard rubber.
Classification of hot water bottles under HS 4014.90
Hot water bottles made of vulcanized rubber are classified under HS code 4014.90. This heading encompasses hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (including teats) of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, with or without fittings of hard rubber. Since hot water bottles are primarily used for therapeutic heat application, pain relief, or personal comfort and are constructed from flexible vulcanized rubber, they fall under this category. The classification remains here even if the bottle includes a stopper, a neck ring, or minor fittings made of plastic or hard rubber. The essential character of the article is provided by the vulcanized rubber vessel designed to contain hot liquid safely. This classification follows the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) by identifying the material composition and the specific hygienic/pharmaceutical utility of the product.
- Covers
- Standard vulcanized rubber hot water bottles
- Rubber bed warmers
- Therapeutic rubber heat packs
- Ribbed rubber hot water bags
- Hot water bottles with integrated rubber stoppers
- Also under 4014.90
- Fashy Hot Water Bottle
- B. Braun Medical Tubing
- Medline Enema Bag
- Drive Medical Ice Bag
- Philips Avent Breast Pump parts
Codes often confused with 4014.90
Common mistake. Hot water bottles are frequently misclassified under HS code 3926.90 if they are made of plastics like PVC. While they serve the same purpose, Chapter 40 is specific to rubber. Another common error is classifying the product under HS code 6307 if it is imported with a textile cover. However, according to GIR 3(b), the rubber bottle provides the essential character, and the set is typically classified under 4014.90. If the bottle is made of a material other than rubber or plastic (such as metal), it would fall under its respective material heading (e.g., 7323 for steel).
Top exporters and importers of HS 401490 (the code used for hot water bottles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401490 (the code used for hot water bottles) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 401490, not only hot water bottles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $241M 35% of world exports
- 2 China $106M 16% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $41M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $679M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $71M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $43M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $42M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $668M 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 hot water bottles
Brazil splits HS 4014.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4014.90.10Rubber ice bags or hot-water bottles
- 4014.90.90Other rubber hygienic or pharmaceutical articles
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hot water bottles
What is the HS code for Hot water bottles?
The HS code for Hot water bottles is 401490 (Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (excluding sheath contraceptives), with or without fittings of hard rubber). The HS code for vulcanized rubber hot water bottles is 4014.90. If made of PVC, the code is typically 3926.90.
How do I classify Hot water bottles for customs?
Hot water bottles is classified under HS code 401490 — Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (excluding sheath contraceptives), with or without fittings of hard rubber. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the covers classified separately?
Usually, no. If the bottle and cover are sold together as a retail set, they are classified under the code for the hot water bottle itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot water bottles (HS 401490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401490 (the code used for hot water bottles) in UN Comtrade data were France ($241M, 35% of world exports), China ($106M) and Denmark ($41M). World exports came to about $679M, 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 hot water bottles (HS 401490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401490 (the code used for hot water bottles) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($71M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($43M) and the Netherlands ($42M). World imports came to about $668M, 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 Hot water bottles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401490 for Hot water bottles 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 hot water bottles in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 401490 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hot water bottles depends on the product's details: 4014.90.10 (Rubber ice bags or hot-water bottles), 4014.90.90 (Other rubber hygienic or pharmaceutical articles).