HS 401512 Gloves, mittens and mitts
Quick Answer: Gloves, mittens, and mitts made of vulcanized rubber imported under HS 4015.12 enter the UK at 2.00% ad valorem, the EU at 2.00% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from Free to 25% ad valorem depending on specific product characteristics. This HS code specifically covers hand-wear fashioned from rubber that has undergone vulcanization, a process that enhances its durability and elasticity. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparities, particularly in the United States, which necessitate careful classification to ensure compliance. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of accurate HS code selection for efficient international trade.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4015120000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4015120000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40151210 | Free | — | — |
| 4015121020 | — | — | ["doz. prs."] |
| 4015121010 | — | — | ["doz. prs."] |
| 401512 | — | — | — |
| 4015129000 | 14% | Free (17 programs) | ["doz. prs."] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 4015.12?
Imports of Gloves, mittens and mitts may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 401512 cover?
This subheading covers gloves, mittens, and mitts made of vulcanized rubber, specifically those designed for surgical, medical, dental, or veterinary purposes. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, these items are distinguished by their material composition and intended application in healthcare settings. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this classification for items such as disposable examination gloves and sterile surgical gloves made from natural or synthetic rubber.
What falls outside HS 401512?
The following products are excluded from HS 401512: general-purpose industrial gloves made of rubber (which fall under HS 401519), protective clothing accessories not specifically gloves, mittens, or mitts, and items made from materials other than vulcanized rubber, such as plastics or textiles. For instance, rubberized work gloves for construction or household chores are typically classified under HS 401519, while disposable nitrile or latex gloves for non-medical use also fall into different subheadings within Heading 4015, depending on their specific characteristics and intended use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 401512?
A common error is misclassifying general-purpose industrial rubber gloves or disposable non-medical gloves under HS 401512. This often occurs when the distinction between medical/surgical use and industrial/general use is not clearly understood or documented. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must ensure that the gloves are explicitly intended and marketed for surgical, medical, dental, or veterinary applications to qualify for this specific subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 401512?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 401512 involves a thorough review of the product's intended use and material composition. Importers and customs brokers must examine product specifications, marketing materials, and any certifications to confirm that the gloves are specifically designed for surgical, medical, dental, or veterinary purposes and are made of vulcanized rubber. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and cross-referencing with WCO Explanatory Notes is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 401512?
A shipment of 10,000 pairs of sterile surgical gloves made of natural rubber, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $250.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($5,000 USD × 0.05 = $250.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 4015.12.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 401512?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 401512, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) can also offer reduced or free entry for goods from certain developing countries. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a compliant origin declaration is required, while for GSP, a GSP Form A or a self-certified origin declaration may be necessary, depending on the specific importing country's regulations.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 4015.12, covering gloves, mittens, and mitts of vulcanized rubber?
The import duty rates for HS code 4015.12 vary significantly by country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 2.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from Canada or Mexico under USMCA may have a 0% duty. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify origin to determine applicable duties. The EU TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also provide detailed duty rate information for this code.
How is the import duty for HS 4015.12 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 4015.12 is typically based on the ad valorem system, meaning a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if gloves classified under 4015.12 are imported into the U.S. with a declared value of $10,000 and the MFN duty rate is 2.00%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 (value) × 0.02 (duty rate) = $200. Some specific types of rubber gloves might also have specific duties or be subject to additional taxes or fees depending on the importing country's regulations.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 4015.12?
HS code 4015.12 specifically covers 'Gloves, mittens and mitts, of vulcanized rubber'. The primary classification criterion is the material of the glove. They must be made from vulcanized rubber, which is rubber that has undergone a process of heating with sulfur or other equivalent curatives to improve its strength, elasticity, and resilience. This distinguishes them from gloves made of other materials like plastics, textiles, or leather, which would fall under different HS headings. The form factor (gloves, mittens, or mitts) is also inherent to the code.
What documentation is typically required for importing gloves under HS code 4015.12?
Standard import documentation for HS code 4015.12 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transport; and a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are being claimed. Depending on the importing country and the intended use of the gloves (e.g., medical, industrial), additional certifications related to product safety, quality standards (such as FDA approval for medical gloves in the U.S.), or compliance with specific regulations may be required. It is advisable to check with the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 4015.12?
Several trade agreements can impact duty rates for HS code 4015.12. For imports into the United States, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) often provides duty-free access for goods originating from Canada and Mexico. Other agreements, such as those between the European Union and various countries, or the UK's trade agreements post-Brexit, can also offer reduced or zero duty rates. Importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim preferential treatment.