Harmonized System
U.S. imports of Medical Wadding, Gauze, Sutures, and Similar Articles, NESOI (HS 300590) totaled $70.9M in August 2026, imported from 47 countries.
Importers of Medical Wadding, Gauze, Sutures, and Similar Articles, NESOI paid $6.2M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 8.79% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataNon-adhesive medical absorbent materials — including sterile surgical catgut and sutures (3005901000), laparotomy sponges (3005905010), and other wadding and gauze articles (3005905090) — are classified under heading 300590, with a general line (3005900000) also present in the schedule. Sterile surgical sutures and catgut are regulated by FDA as Class II or Class III medical devices requiring 510(k) clearance or PMA approval, and foreign manufacturers must hold FDA device establishment registration. Laparotomy sponges, used in surgical settings to control bleeding and protect organs, are similarly regulated as medical devices and are subject to strict sterility and labeling requirements at import. Non-sterile wadding and gauze for general wound care may follow a less intensive FDA pathway but still require device establishment registration.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
6.0K import shipments a month
Laparotomy sponges (3005905010) are regulated as medical devices and must meet FDA sterility, biocompatibility, and labeling standards. Foreign manufacturers must be registered with FDA's device establishment database, and the specific device must have 510(k) clearance. FDA may conduct surveillance sampling at entry, and sponges from unregistered establishments are subject to detention. Given their critical surgical use, importers should verify establishment registration and device clearance status before shipment. Consult a licensed customs broker for admissibility guidance.
Heading 300590 (line 3005901000) covers sterile surgical catgut and similar sterile suture materials when classified as wadding and gauze-type articles, while heading 300610 separately covers sterile surgical catgut and similar sterile suture materials as a distinct product category. Importers should review the specific product description and applicable chapter notes carefully, as both headings exist in the US schedule and the correct classification affects duty treatment. A licensed customs broker can assist with the distinction.
Subheading 2 of 2 in heading 3005
Subheading 300590 · $70.9M of $148.0M
Trade Directory
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3005905090 | Other Wadding, Gauze and Similar Articles, NESOI | $51.1M | 9.18% | 80.24% | $4.7M |
| 3005901000 | Sterile Surgical Catgut, Similar Sterile Sutur, Etc | $13.9M | 9.30% | 83.50% | $1.3M |
| 3005905010 | Laparotomy Sponges | $5.9M | 4.23% | 33.80% | $250K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3005900000 | Wadding, Gauze and Similar Articles Etc NESOI | $49.5M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$70.9MYoY · free account
Exports
$49.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $837.0M of Medical Wadding, Gauze, Sutures, and Similar Articles, NESOI and exported $588.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China and United Kingdom together supply 55% of it. Vietnam pays 12.2% duty; Mexico 0.2%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
23.0% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 8.79% of imports for consumption.