Product classification
HS code for Tampon: 9619.00
Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any material.
Classification of tampon under HS 9619.00
Tampons are classified under HS code 961900. This code was established to provide a unified classification for sanitary towels (pads), tampons, napkins (diapers), and similar articles, regardless of the material from which they are manufactured. Prior to the creation of this specific heading, these items were classified based on their constituent materials, such as cotton (Chapter 56), paper (Chapter 48), or plastics (Chapter 39). Under the current Harmonized System, 961900 acts as a "lex specialis," meaning it is a specific heading that takes precedence over more general material-based headings. This ensures that all absorbent hygiene products are grouped together for trade statistics and tariff purposes. The classification applies to both internal and external sanitary protection products, provided they are designed for the same functional purpose of absorbing bodily fluids for hygiene.
- Covers
- Menstrual tampons
- Internal sanitary protection
- Digital tampons (without applicator)
- Applicator tampons
- Sanitary tampons of any material
- 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. Tampons are sometimes misclassified under HS code 3005, which covers pharmaceutical goods like wadding, gauze, and bandages intended for medical, surgical, or dental use. While tampons are hygienic, they are not considered medical dressings. Another common error is using HS code 5601, which covers wadding and textile fibers. Before the 2012 HS update, many tampons were classified here, but 961900 is now the mandatory code. Additionally, paper-based tampons might be incorrectly assigned to 4818, which covers household or sanitary paper articles, but 961900 remains the correct specific code for these items.
Top exporters and importers of HS 961900 (the code used for tampon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 961900 (the code used for tampon) 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 tampon.
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 tampon
Brazil classifies tampon 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 tampon
What is the HS code for Tampon?
The HS code for Tampon is 961900 (Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any material). The HS code for tampons, regardless of the material they are made of, is 961900.
How do I classify Tampon for customs?
Tampon 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.
Does the material of the tampon change the HS code?
No, HS code 961900 was specifically designed to cover sanitary products made of any material, including cotton, synthetic fibers, or paper.
Which countries are the top exporters of tampon (HS 961900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 961900 (the code used for tampon) 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 tampon (HS 961900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 961900 (the code used for tampon) 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 Tampon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 961900 for Tampon 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 tampon in Brazil?
In Brazil, tampon (HS 961900) is classified under NCM 9619.00.00.