HS Code 3005 — Medical Wadding, Gauze, and Bandages

This code covers medical dressings that are either coated with medicine or packaged for retail sale to patients. It includes items like adhesive plasters and bandages used for wound care in human or veterinary medicine. These products are ready for immediate use without further processing.

What's included

Adhesive bandages
Medicated plasters
Absorbent cotton wadding
Sterile gauze pads
Poultices

What's excluded

Dental cements → use 3006 (Dental fillings and cements are classified under pharmaceutical goods elsewhere.)
Surgical sutures → use 3006 (Sterile surgical catgut and sutures have a specific heading in 3006.)

Common examples

Band-Aid adhesive strips
Zinc oxide adhesive plaster
Sterile paraffin gauze dressing
Cotton wool rolls for retail sale
Elasticated support bandages

Frequently asked questions

Do these items require medical device registration?

Yes, most products under 3005 are classified as medical devices and require registration with national health authorities like the FDA or MHRA.

Trade & shipping notes

Typical duty range: 0% - 10%
Documentation: Requires a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and proof of medical device registration for customs clearance.
Typical shipping mode: LCL
Top exporters: China, Germany, United States
Top importers: United States, Germany, United Kingdom

Key takeaway

HS code 3005 is strictly for finished medical dressings; raw textiles used for bandages go elsewhere.

Medical Wadding, Gauze, and Bandages