Product classification
HS code for Surgical gloves: 4015.12
Rubber, vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, of a kind used for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes.
Classification of surgical gloves under HS 4015.12
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.
- Covers
- Sterile latex surgical gloves
- Nitrile surgical gloves for medical use
- Polychloroprene surgical gloves
- Powder-free surgical gloves
- Lead-lined surgical gloves for radiation protection
- Also under 4015.12
- Ansell Micro-Touch
- Cardinal Health Flexal
- Medline Aloetouch
- Top Glove
- Hartalega
Codes often confused with 4015.12
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401512 (the code used for surgical gloves), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401512 (the code used for surgical 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 surgical 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 surgical gloves
Brazil classifies surgical 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 surgical gloves
What is the HS code for Surgical gloves?
The HS code for Surgical 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 surgical gloves made of vulcanized rubber is 4015.12.
How do I classify Surgical gloves for customs?
Surgical 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 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of surgical gloves (HS 401512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401512 (the code used for surgical 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 surgical gloves (HS 401512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401512 (the code used for surgical 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 Surgical gloves the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401512 for Surgical 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 surgical gloves in Brazil?
In Brazil, surgical gloves (HS 401512) is classified under NCM 4015.12.00.