Product classification
HS code for Rubber medical devices: 4014.90
Rubber, vulcanised (other than hard rubber), hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (excluding sheath contraceptives), with or without fittings of hard rubber.
Classification of rubber medical devices under HS 4014.90
HS code 4014.90 is applied to hygienic or pharmaceutical articles made of vulcanized rubber. This classification is based on the intended use of the product in medical, surgical, or dental contexts. Heading 4014 is restricted to articles of vulcanized rubber (other than hard rubber) used for these specific purposes. While 4014.10 is strictly for sheath contraceptives (condoms), 4014.90 acts as the residual category for all other rubber-based medical or hygienic goods. These items are characterized by their material composition—vulcanized rubber—and their functional application. According to the General Rules of Interpretation, for an article to be classified here, the rubber must provide the essential character of the product. This code includes items that may have fittings made of hard rubber but are primarily composed of soft vulcanized rubber.
- Covers
- Hot water bottles and ice bags
- Enema bags and related tubing
- Rubber bulbs for syringes and atomizers
- Surgical cushions and inflatable air pillows for medical use
- Nursing nipples (teats) and pacifiers
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with heading 9018, which covers complex medical, surgical, or dental instruments. If a device is a sophisticated instrument that merely contains rubber parts, it belongs in 9018. However, simple articles where rubber is the primary material remain in 4014.90. Another common error is 4015.11 or 4015.19, which are specifically for surgical or medical gloves, respectively.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401490 (the code used for rubber medical devices), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401490 (the code used for rubber medical devices) 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 rubber medical devices.
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 rubber medical devices
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 rubber medical devices
What is the HS code for Rubber medical devices?
The HS code for Rubber medical devices 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 general hygienic or pharmaceutical articles of vulcanized rubber is 4014.90.
How do I classify Rubber medical devices for customs?
Rubber medical devices 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.
Does this code include rubber aprons?
No, rubber aprons and other articles of apparel are classified under heading 4015, which specifically covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories for all purposes.
Which countries are the top exporters of rubber medical devices (HS 401490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401490 (the code used for rubber medical devices) 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 rubber medical devices (HS 401490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401490 (the code used for rubber medical devices) 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 Rubber medical devices the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401490 for Rubber medical devices 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 rubber medical devices in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 401490 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for rubber medical devices 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).