Pathogen-Contaminated Swabs
Cotton-tipped applicators used for viral sampling (e.g., COVID tests), saturated with respiratory secretions, as clinical waste from diagnostic medical procedures.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If sterile, unused absorbent cotton wadding
Textile wadding/articles without contamination stay in Chapter 56.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Declare under Category A or B infectious substances per IATA if viable pathogens present
• Lab reports confirming pathogen type aid customs classification
• Unused swabs are 5601.22; contamination shifts to waste
Related Products under HTS 3825.30.00.00
Used Surgical Syringes
Disposable syringes contaminated with blood and bodily fluids from surgical procedures, classified as clinical waste under HTS 3825.30 due to arising from medical treatment and containing pathogens requiring special disposal. These are not reusable medical devices but hazardous waste.
Biohazard Sharps Containers
Puncture-proof containers filled with used needles, scalpels, and broken glass from clinical settings, qualifying as clinical waste under note 6(a) due to pathogen contamination from medical procedures.
Contaminated Dental Burs and Drills
Used dental rotary instruments exposed to saliva, blood, and oral pathogens during procedures, falling under clinical waste per chapter note for dental medical waste requiring special disposal.
Used IV Catheter Assemblies
Intravenous catheters and tubing discarded after patient infusion therapy, contaminated with blood and drugs, qualifying as clinical waste from medical treatment.
Blood Bag Waste
Empty plastic bags from blood transfusions or collections, containing residual blood and anticoagulants, as clinical waste from medical procedures.
Surgical Sponge Waste
Cellulose sponges used intraoperatively, soaked in blood and debris, classified as clinical waste from surgical procedures.