Importing disposable gloves from China follows a fixed sequence: lock the specification in writing, approve production samples, agree on MOQ and lead time, then verify the goods before shipment and again on arrival. Most first-time problems come from a vague spec sheet or a skipped inspection, not from the factory. This guide walks through each step with the actual numbers buyers use when ordering nitrile examination gloves.
Step 1: What Should Your Spec Sheet Include?
Never start a sourcing conversation with "nitrile gloves, blue, medium." Factories quote and produce against numbers, so your purchase order should read like a datasheet. A complete spec sheet for disposable nitrile exam gloves covers:
- Material and grade: nitrile, medical grade or food grade, powder-free.
- Weight per glove by size: for example our KG-1101 series runs 3.0g, 3.5g, 4.0g and 5.0g in size M. Weight is the main cost driver, so fix it first.
- Dimensions: length 240 mm, width by size (95±10 mm for size M), palm thickness 0.06 mm at 3.5g, 0.07 mm at 4.0g and 0.09 mm at 5.0g.
- Physical performance: elongation at break 400%, force at break 6N for 3.5g/4.0g and 7N for 5.0g.
- Quality limits: AQL 1.5 for watertight integrity, which is the standard acceptance level for examination gloves.
- Standards: EN 455, EN 374 and EN 1186 for food contact, plus FDA and CE registration information where your market requires it.
- Shelf life and packaging: 5 years, 100 pcs per dispenser box, 10 boxes per carton.
If a supplier cannot fill in this level of detail, that is your first filter.
Step 2: Why Order Samples Before You Commit?
A sample order costs little and answers questions a datasheet cannot: cuff fit, fingertip texture, chlorination feel, dispenser box quality. Ask for samples of the exact SKU and size you plan to buy, not a generic "best seller." When samples arrive, weigh ten gloves on a 0.1g scale and compare against the spec (3.5 g ± 0.3 g for a size M 3.5g glove). Check the box print and inner packaging, because this is what your customers will see. Only after sample approval should you negotiate price and volume.
Step 3: What MOQ Should You Expect?
MOQ for disposable gloves is normally quoted in cartons, not boxes. For a factory running full production lines, a realistic starting point is a few hundred cartons per SKU per size, with container-load orders getting the best unit price. Two practical notes:
- Mixing sizes (S/M/L/XL) inside one order is standard, but each size still has its own minimum run.
- OEM packaging (your brand on the box) raises the MOQ because the box printing plates are made to order. A branded line like our MXGUARD nitrile exam gloves shows what a finished private-label pack looks like: 100 gloves per box, box roughly 21 x 11 x 6 cm.
Treat any MOQ quoted "per piece" with caution; serious glove factories plan in cartons and containers.
Step 4: How Long Do Production and Shipping Take?
Build your timeline from three blocks. Production for a confirmed order typically takes 3 to 6 weeks after deposit, depending on quantity and line scheduling. Ocean freight adds roughly 2 to 4 weeks to Southeast Asia, 3 to 5 weeks to Europe, and 3 to 6 weeks to North American ports, plus customs clearance on arrival. In total, plan for 8 to 12 weeks from deposit to warehouse for a first order, and keep buffer for peak seasons. Air freight exists but rarely makes sense for a low-value, high-volume product like gloves, except for sample cartons.
Step 5: Which HS Code Applies to Disposable Gloves?
Nitrile examination gloves are generally classified under HS heading 4015 (articles of apparel and clothing accessories of vulcanised rubber), commonly 4015.12 or 4015.19 depending on the destination tariff schedule. Plastic gloves such as PE or vinyl fall under heading 3926, typically 3926.20. The correct subheading varies by country and affects duty rate, so confirm the classification with your customs broker before the goods ship, and make sure the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading all use the same code.
Step 6: What Goes on a Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist?
Inspect before the balance payment, either yourself, through a third-party inspector, or via a live video check with the factory. The checklist below uses our KG-1101 3.5g nitrile gloves as the reference SKU; adjust the numbers to whatever you ordered.
| Check | Method | KG-1101 3.5g Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Piece count | Open random cartons, count boxes and pieces per box | 100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/carton (1,000 pcs per carton) |
| Weight per glove | Weigh 10 gloves (size M), take the average | 3.5 g ± 0.3 g |
| Palm thickness | Micrometer at palm centre | 0.06 mm ± 0.01 mm |
| Dimensions | Measure length and width against size chart | Length 240 mm, width 95±10 mm (size M) |
| Watertight test | Fill glove with water, hang and check for leaks (EN 455-1 method) | Pass at AQL 1.5 sampling |
| Force at break | Tensile test on sampled gloves | ≥ 6N (3.5g/4.0g); ≥ 7N for 5.0g |
| Packaging and labels | Check item code, size, lot number, production and expiry dates | 5-year shelf life from production date |
Record results with photos and keep the signed inspection report; it is your evidence if a dispute appears later.
What Mistakes Do First-Time Importers Make?
- Buying on price per box without fixing weight per glove. A cheaper quote often means a lighter glove, so compare grams first.
- Approving a sample of one SKU and ordering another. Heavy-duty products like the KG-1303 6.0g nitrile gloves behave very differently from a 3.0g food-service glove.
- Skipping the written tolerance range. "3.5g" without "± 0.3 g" leaves too much room for argument.
- Ignoring cartons and pallets in the freight plan. Confirm carton dimensions, gross weight and how many cartons fit the container before booking.
- Assuming registration transfers. FDA and CE registration information belongs to the manufacturer and product; ask for the documents and verify they name the factory and the glove model you are buying.
FAQ
What MOQ is normal when importing nitrile gloves from China?
Factories usually quote MOQ in cartons. A realistic starting point is a few hundred cartons per SKU and size, with full-container orders getting the lowest unit price. OEM printed boxes raise the MOQ because of plate costs.
How long does shipping from China take?
Production typically takes 3 to 6 weeks after deposit. Sea freight adds roughly 2 to 4 weeks to Southeast Asia, 3 to 5 weeks to Europe and 3 to 6 weeks to North America, so plan for 8 to 12 weeks door to door on a first order.
Which HS code do disposable gloves use?
Nitrile exam gloves generally fall under HS heading 4015 (rubber gloves), while plastic gloves such as PE or vinyl fall under 3926. The exact subheading depends on your destination country, so confirm it with your customs broker before shipment.
How do I check quality when the container arrives?
Repeat the pre-shipment checks on random cartons: piece count (100 pcs per box, 10 boxes per carton), weight per glove, palm thickness, dimensions and a water leak test at AQL 1.5 sampling. Compare results with your inspection report and the agreed spec sheet.
Planning a first order? Contact our export team with your target spec for samples and a quotation, or review the datasheet numbers on our KG-1101 nitrile glove series and the full nitrile gloves category.