4015.12.10 - Of a kind used for medical or surgical purposes

This HTS category, 4015.12.10, specifically covers gloves, mittens, and mitts made of vulcanized rubber that are designed and manufactured for medical or surgical applications. This includes items such as examination gloves, surgical gloves, and sterile gloves used in healthcare settings to protect both the wearer and the patient from contamination. The emphasis is on the intended purpose and the specialized nature of these rubber articles within the medical field.

Within the broader classification of "Gloves, mittens and mitts" under HTS code 4015.12, this specific subcategory is distinguished from its sibling, 4015.12.90.00, which covers "Other" gloves, mittens, and mitts not intended for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes. Therefore, items like industrial rubber gloves or general protective work gloves would fall under the sibling category, while the current classification is strictly for goods destined for clinical use.

Furthermore, HTS code 4015.12.10 is further subdivided into more specific categories to provide granular classification. The subcategories, 4015.12.10.10 for "Medical gloves, mittens and mitts" and 4015.12.10.20 for "Surgical gloves, mittens and mitts," allow for a more precise identification based on the specific medical or surgical context of their intended use, acknowledging potential differences in material specifications, sterility requirements, or design features that differentiate general medical use from more critical surgical procedures.