Product classification
HS code for Sanitary pad: 9619.00
Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any material.
Classification of sanitary pad under HS 9619.00
HS code 9619.00 was introduced to provide a specific and unified classification for sanitary towels (pads), tampons, napkins (diapers), and similar articles. Prior to the creation of this code, these items were classified based on their constituent material, such as paper, textile, or plastic, which led to inconsistencies in trade data and tariff application. Under the current Harmonized System, 9619.00 applies regardless of the material used in the construction of the product. This includes products made from paper pulp, cellulose wadding, textile wadding, or plastics. The classification is determined by the function and design of the article as an absorbent hygiene product. This heading covers a wide range of products intended for personal hygiene, including those for infants, menstruation, and adult incontinence. The multi-layered construction, typically involving an absorbent core and a moisture-proof outer layer, is characteristic of the items falling under this code. This universal heading simplifies the customs process for hygiene products globally.
- Covers
- Menstrual pads (sanitary towels)
- Internal tampons
- Disposable baby diapers
- Adult incontinence pads
- Panty liners
- Also under 9619.00
- Pampers Swaddlers
- Always Ultra Thin Pads
- Tampax Pearl Tampons
- Huggies Little Snugglers
- Depend Adult Diapers
Codes often confused with 9619.00
Common mistake. Before the 2012 HS update, these were often classified under 4818.40 (paper) or 6212 (textiles). Some importers still mistakenly use 4818.90 for paper-based hygiene products or 3005.90 for medical wadding, but 9619.00 is the mandatory specific heading for these finished articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 961900 (the code used for sanitary pad), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 961900 (the code used for sanitary pad) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 961900, not only sanitary pad.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.9B 21% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $1.5B 8.4% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.4B 7.4% of world exports
World total: $18.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.0B 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.2B 6.6% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $990M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $18.2B 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 sanitary pad
Brazil classifies sanitary pad under NCM 9619.00.00: HS 9619.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sanitary pad
What is the HS code for Sanitary pad?
The HS code for Sanitary pad is 961900 (Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any material).
How do I classify Sanitary pad for customs?
Sanitary pad is classified under HS code 961900 — Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any material. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for sanitary pads?
The universal HS code for sanitary pads, regardless of material, is 9619.00.
Does this code include reusable cloth pads?
Yes, HS code 9619.00 covers sanitary towels and similar articles made of any material, including reusable textile versions.
Which countries are the top exporters of sanitary pad (HS 961900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 961900 (the code used for sanitary pad) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.9B, 21% of world exports), Czechia ($1.5B) and Germany ($1.4B). World exports came to about $18.3B, 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 sanitary pad (HS 961900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 961900 (the code used for sanitary pad) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.0B, 11% of world imports), Germany ($1.2B) and the United Kingdom ($990M). World imports came to about $18.2B, 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 Sanitary pad the same in all countries?
The base HS code 961900 for Sanitary pad 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 sanitary pad in Brazil?
In Brazil, sanitary pad (HS 961900) is classified under NCM 9619.00.00.