Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, of a kind used for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes

HS code 401512 covers vulcanized rubber gloves used for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes. This industry plays a crucial role in the healthcare sector, providing essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard medical professionals and patients. As a key component of the broader rubber manufacturing industry, the production of these specialized gloves contributes significantly to the global economy.

The production of 401512 rubber gloves involves a multi-step vulcanization process. First, raw rubber materials, such as natural or synthetic rubber, are mixed with various additives and chemicals to achieve the desired properties. The mixture is then shaped into glove forms and subjected to heat and pressure, causing the rubber to crosslink and become vulcanized. This process enhances the gloves' strength, durability, and resistance to chemicals and heat. Finally, the vulcanized gloves undergo quality control checks and packaging before being distributed to healthcare facilities and other end-users.

The main inputs required for the production of HS code 401512 rubber gloves include natural and synthetic rubber, as well as a range of chemical additives such as accelerators, antioxidants, and vulcanizing agents. Specialized machinery, such as mixing equipment, molding presses, and curing ovens, are also essential for the manufacturing process. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce to operate the equipment and ensure the quality and consistency of the final products.

The primary output of HS code 401512 is vulcanized rubber gloves used for medical, surgical, dental, and veterinary purposes. These gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that help prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and protect healthcare workers and patients. The output of this industry is consumed by a variety of 851910 Medical, surgical, dental or veterinary furniture and 902100 Orthopedic appliances, including crutches, surgical belts and trusses; splints and other fracture appliances; artificial parts of the body; hearing aids and other appliances which are worn or carried, or implanted in the body, to compensate for a defect or disability, as well as 901890 Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, n.e.c. in heading no. 9018.