Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), sheath contraceptives

HS code 401410 covers the import and export of vulcanized rubber products, specifically sheath contraceptives. This industry plays a crucial role in the global healthcare and personal care sectors, providing essential products for family planning and disease prevention. As a highly specialized and regulated industry, the trade of 401410 items is an important component of the broader medical supplies and pharmaceutical trade.

The production of sheath contraceptives under HS code 401410 involves a multi-step vulcanization process. Raw rubber is first compounded with various additives and chemicals to achieve the desired properties. It is then shaped into the contraceptive form, often using molds, and subjected to high heat and pressure to vulcanize the material. The final products undergo rigorous quality control and sterilization before being packaged for distribution.

The main inputs for the 401410 industry include natural and synthetic rubber, as well as specialized chemicals, lubricants, and packaging materials. Manufacturers also rely on advanced machinery and equipment for the molding, vulcanization, and packaging processes. Skilled labor, particularly in the areas of quality control and medical device production, is another critical input for this industry.

The primary output of the 401410 industry is sheath contraceptives, which are consumed by 851870 Medical, surgical, dental or veterinary furniture; barbers' chairs and similar chairs, and parts thereof and 901890 Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, n.e.c. in heading no. 9018. These products are essential for family planning, disease prevention, and overall public health, making them an important component of the broader healthcare and medical supplies trade.