HS Code for Surgical gloves

Surgical gloves are classified under HS code 4015.12 because they are specifically identified as articles of apparel and clothing accessories made of vulcanized rubber, other than hard rubber, intended for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which directs classification to the heading that most specifically describes the product. Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, and heading 4015 is dedicated to rubber apparel. Within this heading, subheading 4015.12 is reserved for gloves that meet the stringent standards required for surgical environments, including sterility and specific tactile sensitivity. These gloves are distinguished from general-purpose gloves by their design, which often includes longer cuffs and precise sizing to ensure a secure fit during invasive procedures. The material must be vulcanized rubber, which includes natural rubber latex as well as synthetic elastomers like nitrile or polychloroprene, provided they have been vulcanized.

Products Included

• Sterile latex surgical gloves
• Nitrile surgical gloves for medical use
• Polychloroprene surgical gloves
• Powder-free surgical gloves
• Lead-lined surgical gloves for radiation protection

Common Misclassification

Surgical gloves are frequently confused with HS code 4015.19, which covers "other" rubber gloves, such as those used for household cleaning or general industrial work. The primary difference lies in the medical certification and intended use. Additionally, gloves made of plastic (such as PVC or polyethylene) are classified under HS code 3926.20, as Chapter 39 covers plastics rather than rubber. It is also important not to confuse these with examination gloves, which, while often classified under the same heading in some jurisdictions, may be distinguished by their lack of sterility or different thickness standards.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Surgical gloves?

The HS code for surgical gloves made of vulcanized rubber is 4015.12.

Are nitrile gloves classified under the same code as latex surgical gloves?

Yes, as long as the nitrile gloves are vulcanized and intended for surgical use, they fall under 4015.12. If they are for general medical examination, they may still fall under 4015.12 or 4015.19 depending on the specific national tariff schedule.