Product classification
HS code for Medical gauze: 3005.90
Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles, (excluding adhesive dressings), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances, packaged for retail sale.
Classification of medical gauze under HS 3005.90
Medical gauze is classified under HS code 3005.90, which covers wadding, gauze, bandages, and similar articles that are either impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances or are packaged specifically for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes. The classification is governed by the notes to Chapter 30, which prioritize the medical preparation and packaging of the textile. For a product to fall under this heading, it must be more than just a bulk textile; it must be processed for clinical use. This often involves sterilization and individual packaging. If the gauze is treated with an antiseptic, antibiotic, or other medicinal agent, it is firmly placed within this category. The classification follows GRI 1, as the product description in the nomenclature specifically addresses these types of pharmaceutical goods intended for direct application to wounds or for use during surgical procedures.
- Covers
- Sterile gauze swabs and pads
- Antiseptic-impregnated gauze strips
- Absorbent cotton gauze for wound dressing
- Paraffin-coated gauze dressings
- Medical packing gauze
- Retail-ready rolls of medical gauze
- Also under 3005.90
- Betadine Antiseptic Swabs
- Aquacel Ag+ Extra (silver dressing)
- Jelonet Paraffin Gauze
- Mepilex Ag (silver foam dressing)
- Bactigras Chlorhexidine Gauze
Codes often confused with 3005.90
Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying medical gauze under Section XI (Textiles), specifically heading 5208 for woven cotton fabrics. However, Chapter 30 takes precedence when the fabric is prepared for medical use. Another frequent error involves 3005.10, which is reserved for adhesive dressings and articles having an adhesive layer (like Band-Aids). If the gauze does not have an adhesive surface, it belongs in 3005.90. Additionally, if the gauze is not sterile and is sold in bulk rolls for industrial use, it may revert to its textile classification in Chapter 52 or 55.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300590 (the code used for medical gauze), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300590 (the code used for medical gauze) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 300590, not only medical gauze.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.3B 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $587M 11% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $538M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $906M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $646M 12% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $333M 6.1% 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 codes for medical gauze
Brazil splits HS 3005.90 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3005.90.11Absorbable polyglycolic acid dressings
- 3005.90.12Absorbable glycolic-lactic copolymer dressings
- 3005.90.19Other absorbable dressings
- 3005.90.20Nonwoven surgical drapes
- 3005.90.90Other medical wadding, gauze and bandages
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about medical gauze
What is the HS code for Medical gauze?
The HS code for Medical gauze is 300590 (Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles; (excluding adhesive dressings), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances, packaged for retail sale). The HS code for medical gauze packaged for retail sale or impregnated with pharmaceuticals is 3005.90.
How do I classify Medical gauze for customs?
Medical gauze is classified under HS code 300590 — Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles; (excluding adhesive dressings), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances, packaged for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is unsterilized bulk gauze classified here?
Generally, no. Unsterilized gauze in bulk form that is not packaged for retail sale as a medical product is usually classified as a textile under Chapter 52.
Which countries are the top exporters of medical gauze (HS 300590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300590 (the code used for medical gauze) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 25% of world exports), the United States ($587M) and the Netherlands ($538M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of medical gauze (HS 300590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300590 (the code used for medical gauze) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($906M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($646M) and the Netherlands ($333M). 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 Medical gauze the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300590 for Medical gauze 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 medical gauze in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 300590 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for medical gauze depends on the product's details: 3005.90.11 (Absorbable polyglycolic acid dressings), 3005.90.12 (Absorbable glycolic-lactic copolymer dressings), 3005.90.19 (Other absorbable dressings), 3005.90.20 (Nonwoven surgical drapes), 3005.90.90 (Other medical wadding, gauze and bandages).