3005.10 - Adhesive dressings and other articles having an adhesive layer:

This HTS category, 3005.10, encompasses a range of medical articles specifically designed to adhere to the body or to wound sites. It includes products such as adhesive bandages, medical tapes with an adhesive backing, and specialized wound dressings that possess an integral adhesive layer. The defining characteristic is the presence of an adhesive component that facilitates their application and fixation for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 3005.90 (Other), is the explicit inclusion of the adhesive feature. While 3005.90 would cover wadding, gauze, and bandages that are not inherently adhesive or are presented in a way that doesn't rely on adhesion for their primary function, 3005.10 is reserved for those where adhesion is a key attribute for their intended use.

Within this category, subheadings further refine classification based on the treatment or form of the adhesive articles. 3005.10.10.00 specifically addresses items that are coated or impregnated with pharmaceutical substances, indicating a medicinal or therapeutic component beyond just the adhesive. In contrast, 3005.10.50.00 covers other adhesive articles that do not meet the criteria for pharmaceutical impregnation or coating, focusing solely on their adhesive properties and application for medical purposes.