Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including raw materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, vulcanized rubber, as well as semi-finished and finished products. This chapter ranges from rubber in primary forms to various rubber articles such as tires, tubes, belts, gloves, etc. However, note that this chapter does not include hard rubber (heading 40.17) and certain specific rubber articles (e.g., rubber footwear falls under Chapter 64). Heading 4015 covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves), for all purposes, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, as well as other articles of vulcanized rubber. Specifically includes various gloves, mittens, mitts, etc., whether or not lined or coated. However, note that 4015 does not include hard rubber gloves (classified under 4017) and certain specialized gloves (e.g., sterile medical gloves may be classified under 4015, but this depends on material and use). The first 2 digits 40: indicates Chapter 40, i.e., rubber and articles thereof. The 3rd-4th digits 15: indicates heading 4015, i.e., articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves), for all purposes, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber. The 5th-6th digits 19: indicates subheading 4015.19, i.e., other gloves of rubber. Under 4015, subheadings are divided into: 4015.11 (surgical gloves), 4015.19 (other gloves), 4015.90 (other articles of apparel and clothing accessories). Therefore, 4015.19 specifically refers to rubber gloves other than surgical gloves. This product is rubber gloves and is not specifically for surgical use, therefore classified under 4015.19. If the gloves were made of hard rubber, they would be classified under 4017; if they were surgical gloves, they would be classified under 4015.11; if they were plastic gloves, they would be classified under 3926.20. Therefore, the classification is determined by material (vulcanized rubber) and use (non-surgical).
Chapter
Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including raw materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, vulcanized rubber, as well as semi-finished and finished products. This chapter ranges from rubber in primary forms to various rubber articles such as tires, tubes, belts, gloves, etc. However, note that this chapter does not include hard rubber (heading 40.17) and certain specific rubber articles (e.g., rubber footwear falls under Chapter 64).
Heading
Heading 4015 covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves), for all purposes, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, as well as other articles of vulcanized rubber. Specifically includes various gloves, mittens, mitts, etc., whether or not lined or coated. However, note that 4015 does not include hard rubber gloves (classified under 4017) and certain specialized gloves (e.g., sterile medical gloves may be classified under 4015, but this depends on material and use).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 40: indicates Chapter 40, i.e., rubber and articles thereof. The 3rd-4th digits 15: indicates heading 4015, i.e., articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves), for all purposes, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber. The 5th-6th digits 19: indicates subheading 4015.19, i.e., other gloves of rubber. Under 4015, subheadings are divided into: 4015.11 (surgical gloves), 4015.19 (other gloves), 4015.90 (other articles of apparel and clothing accessories). Therefore, 4015.19 specifically refers to rubber gloves other than surgical gloves.
Classification Basis
This product is rubber gloves and is not specifically for surgical use, therefore classified under 4015.19. If the gloves were made of hard rubber, they would be classified under 4017; if they were surgical gloves, they would be classified under 4015.11; if they were plastic gloves, they would be classified under 3926.20. Therefore, the classification is determined by material (vulcanized rubber) and use (non-surgical).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as 'other rubber gloves' and indicate the use (e.g., industrial, household, etc.) Material: Detailed description of the rubber type, such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, latex, etc., and whether vulcanized Use: Clearly specify the usage scenario of the gloves, such as industrial protection, household cleaning, medical examination (non-surgical), etc. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare 'no brand' Model: Declare the model or item number of the product for easy identification Lined or Not: Indicate whether the gloves are lined (e.g., flannel, knitted lining) Sterile or Not: For medical-use gloves, indicate whether they are sterile packaged Product Name: Other rubber gloves; Material: Nitrile rubber, vulcanized; Use: Industrial protection; Brand: ABC; Model: GL-100; Lined or Not: Unlined; Sterile or Not: Non-sterile. Mistakenly classifying surgical gloves under 4015.19, when they should actually be classified under 4015.11 Mistakenly classifying hard rubber gloves under 4015, when they should actually be classified under 4017 Mistakenly classifying plastic gloves under 4015, when they should actually be classified under 3926.20
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as 'other rubber gloves' and indicate the use (e.g., industrial, household, etc.)
⚠️ Only writing 'gloves' without indicating material and use
Material
Detailed description of the rubber type, such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, latex, etc., and whether vulcanized
⚠️ Only writing 'rubber' without distinguishing natural or synthetic, and not indicating whether vulcanized
Use
Clearly specify the usage scenario of the gloves, such as industrial protection, household cleaning, medical examination (non-surgical), etc.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as 'general purpose'
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare 'no brand'
⚠️ Omitting brand or misreporting as another brand
Model
Declare the model or item number of the product for easy identification
⚠️ Incomplete model filling or inconsistent with the actual product
Lined or Not
Indicate whether the gloves are lined (e.g., flannel, knitted lining)
⚠️ Not declaring lining status, leading to classification differences
Sterile or Not
For medical-use gloves, indicate whether they are sterile packaged
⚠️ Medical gloves not indicating sterility status
Example： Product Name: Other rubber gloves; Material: Nitrile rubber, vulcanized; Use: Industrial protection; Brand: ABC; Model: GL-100; Lined or Not: Unlined; Sterile or Not: Non-sterile.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying surgical gloves under 4015.19, when they should actually be classified under 4015.11
Mistakenly classifying hard rubber gloves under 4015, when they should actually be classified under 4017
Mistakenly classifying plastic gloves under 4015, when they should actually be classified under 3926.20
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is material and use. First confirm the glove material is vulcanized rubber (not hard), then determine if they are surgical gloves. Surgical gloves specifically refer to sterilized gloves used for surgical operations, classified under 4015.11; rubber gloves for other uses are classified under 4015.19. Also note that if the gloves are made of hard rubber, they are classified under 4017; if made of plastic, they are classified under 3926.20. 4015.11 Surgical gloves: Sterilized rubber gloves specifically for surgical operations, whereas 4015.19 is for gloves for other uses 4017.00 Articles of hard rubber: Gloves made of hard rubber (e.g., ebonite), whereas 4015 is for soft vulcanized rubber 3926.20 Plastic gloves: Material is plastic (e.g., PVC), whereas 4015 is rubber 6116.10 Knitted or crocheted gloves impregnated with rubber: Knitted gloves impregnated with rubber, but the base material is textile, whereas 4015 is pure rubber gloves Is the material vulcanized rubber? Is it hard rubber? Is it surgical gloves? Does it have a textile lining? Is it for medical but non-surgical use?
Basis
The core basis for classification is material and use. First confirm the glove material is vulcanized rubber (not hard), then determine if they are surgical gloves. Surgical gloves specifically refer to sterilized gloves used for surgical operations, classified under 4015.11; rubber gloves for other uses are classified under 4015.19. Also note that if the gloves are made of hard rubber, they are classified under 4017; if made of plastic, they are classified under 3926.20.
Confused Codes：
4015.11 - Surgical gloves
Sterilized rubber gloves specifically for surgical operations, whereas 4015.19 is for gloves for other uses
4017.00 - Articles of hard rubber
Gloves made of hard rubber (e.g., ebonite), whereas 4015 is for soft vulcanized rubber
3926.20 - Plastic gloves
Material is plastic (e.g., PVC), whereas 4015 is rubber
6116.10 - Knitted or crocheted gloves impregnated with rubber
Knitted gloves impregnated with rubber, but the base material is textile, whereas 4015 is pure rubber gloves
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material vulcanized rubber?
✓ Is it hard rubber?
✓ Is it surgical gloves?
✓ Does it have a textile lining?
✓ Is it for medical but non-surgical use?
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish between 4015.19 and 4015.11? 4015.11 specifically refers to surgical gloves, i.e., sterilized gloves used for surgical operations, usually with strict sterile packaging and certification. 4015.19 includes all other rubber gloves, such as industrial gloves, household cleaning gloves, examination gloves, etc. The key distinction is whether the use is for surgical operations. What is the difference in HS codes for rubber gloves and plastic gloves? Rubber gloves are classified under 4015, plastic gloves under 3926.20. The distinction is based on material: rubber is elastic, plastic is usually harder. However, note that some elastomers may fall between the two, and judgment should be based on chemical composition. How are rubber gloves with textile lining classified? If the glove is primarily rubber and the textile lining is only auxiliary, it is still classified under 4015. But if the textile constitutes the essential character of the glove, it may be classified under Chapter 61 or 62. Judgment should be based on the General Rules for Interpretation. Which code are medical examination gloves classified under? Medical examination gloves are usually classified under 4015.19, unless they are specifically for surgical operations, in which case they are classified under 4015.11. Examination gloves are used for non-surgical medical examinations, thus belonging to other rubber gloves. How to inquire about the tariff rate for 4015.19? Tariff rates depend on the importing country and country of origin. You can check the customs website of the importing country or use official tariff databases, and also consider preferential rates under free trade agreements. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker. What are common errors during declaration? Common errors include: not indicating material (rubber type), misreporting use (reporting examination gloves as surgical gloves), omitting brand or model, not stating whether lined, etc. These may lead to classification errors or customs clearance delays. What are the regulatory conditions for 4015.19 gloves? Regulatory conditions vary by country. For example, medical gloves may require medical device registration certificates, industrial gloves may require safety certifications. Before import, it is necessary to understand the regulatory requirements of the target market. If the gloves are of composite materials, how to determine classification? According to the General Rules for Interpretation, classify according to the material constituting the essential character. If rubber is the main material, classify under 4015; if textile is the main material, classify under Chapter 61 or 62. If necessary, apply for advance classification ruling.
Q: How to distinguish between 4015.19 and 4015.11?
A: 4015.11 specifically refers to surgical gloves, i.e., sterilized gloves used for surgical operations, usually with strict sterile packaging and certification. 4015.19 includes all other rubber gloves, such as industrial gloves, household cleaning gloves, examination gloves, etc. The key distinction is whether the use is for surgical operations.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes for rubber gloves and plastic gloves?
A: Rubber gloves are classified under 4015, plastic gloves under 3926.20. The distinction is based on material: rubber is elastic, plastic is usually harder. However, note that some elastomers may fall between the two, and judgment should be based on chemical composition.
Q: How are rubber gloves with textile lining classified?
A: If the glove is primarily rubber and the textile lining is only auxiliary, it is still classified under 4015. But if the textile constitutes the essential character of the glove, it may be classified under Chapter 61 or 62. Judgment should be based on the General Rules for Interpretation.
Q: Which code are medical examination gloves classified under?
A: Medical examination gloves are usually classified under 4015.19, unless they are specifically for surgical operations, in which case they are classified under 4015.11. Examination gloves are used for non-surgical medical examinations, thus belonging to other rubber gloves.
Q: How to inquire about the tariff rate for 4015.19?
A: Tariff rates depend on the importing country and country of origin. You can check the customs website of the importing country or use official tariff databases, and also consider preferential rates under free trade agreements. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What are common errors during declaration?
A: Common errors include: not indicating material (rubber type), misreporting use (reporting examination gloves as surgical gloves), omitting brand or model, not stating whether lined, etc. These may lead to classification errors or customs clearance delays.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for 4015.19 gloves?
A: Regulatory conditions vary by country. For example, medical gloves may require medical device registration certificates, industrial gloves may require safety certifications. Before import, it is necessary to understand the regulatory requirements of the target market.
Q: If the gloves are of composite materials, how to determine classification?
A: According to the General Rules for Interpretation, classify according to the material constituting the essential character. If rubber is the main material, classify under 4015; if textile is the main material, classify under Chapter 61 or 62. If necessary, apply for advance classification ruling.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.