Product classification
HS code for Medical gloves: 4015.12
Rubber, vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, of a kind used for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes.
Classification of medical gloves under HS 4015.12
Medical gloves made of vulcanized rubber are classified under HS code 4015.12. This classification is based on the material composition and the intended use of the product. Heading 4015 covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories for all purposes, made of vulcanized rubber (other than hard rubber). Subheading 4015.12 specifically identifies gloves used for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes. These are typically examination gloves or non-surgical medical gloves. The classification is supported by Chapter 40 Note 3, which clarifies the scope of rubber apparel. To qualify for this code, the gloves must be made of rubber (natural latex, nitrile, or synthetic rubber like neoprene) and must be vulcanized. The distinction between medical and non-medical rubber gloves is critical, as non-medical gloves (such as household or industrial gloves) fall under 4015.19.
- Covers
- Nitrile examination gloves
- Latex medical gloves (non-surgical)
- Vinyl-rubber blend medical gloves
- Disposable veterinary gloves
- Dental examination gloves
- Powder-free medical gloves
- Also under 4015.12
- Ansell Micro-Touch
- Cardinal Health Flexal
- Medline Aloetouch
- Top Glove
- Hartalega
Codes often confused with 4015.12
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with 4015.11, which is specifically for surgical gloves. Surgical gloves are usually sterile, longer, and sold in pairs with more precise sizing. Another common error is using 3926.20 for plastic gloves (like PVC or PE gloves). If the gloves are made of plastic rather than vulcanized rubber, they cannot be in Chapter 40. Furthermore, industrial rubber gloves used for chemical handling or cleaning are classified under 4015.19, as they are not intended for medical procedures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401512 (the code used for medical gloves), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401512 (the code used for medical 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 medical 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 medical gloves
Brazil classifies medical 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 medical gloves
What is the HS code for Medical gloves?
The HS code for Medical 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 medical and examination gloves made of vulcanized rubber is 4015.12.
How do I classify Medical gloves for customs?
Medical 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 nitrile gloves classified under this code?
Yes, provided they are made of vulcanized synthetic rubber and are intended for medical or examination use, nitrile gloves fall under 4015.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of medical gloves (HS 401512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401512 (the code used for medical 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 medical gloves (HS 401512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401512 (the code used for medical 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 Medical gloves the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401512 for Medical 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 medical gloves in Brazil?
In Brazil, medical gloves (HS 401512) is classified under NCM 4015.12.00.