TARIFF TRACKER
Commerce opens a Section 232 investigation on medical PPE, consumables and equipment
Commerce is seeking comments on whether imports of PPE, medical consumables and medical equipment, including devices, affect national security. Comments are due October 17, 2025.
Updated October 12, 2026
STATUS
Proposed
·
Section 232
COUNTRIES
All countries
PRODUCT FAMILIES
Electrical, Industrial machinery, Chemicals/plastics
COVERED GOODS
Imports of personal protective equipment used in health care settings, medical consumables, durable medical equipment, and medical devices. Pharmaceuticals are excluded because they are covered by a separate Section 232 investigation.
EXCLUSIONS
Pharmaceuticals, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, biologics, and specialty drugs, are not covered by this investigation.
WHAT TO DO (OUR GUIDANCE, NOT LEGAL ADVICE)
If you import or buy the listed medical PPE, consumables, equipment or devices, review whether your products fit the notice categories and consider submitting comments by October 17, 2025. Include information on demand, domestic supply, foreign supply chains, import concentration, subsidies, pricing and whether tariffs or quotas are needed.
SOURCES
Bureau of Industry and Security notice, 90 FR 46383 (September 26, 2025)
QUOTES FROM THE SOURCE
Signed: "On September 2, 2025, the Secretary of Commerce initiated an investigation under Section 232 (19 U.S.C. 1862)" (source)
Covered goods: "Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to PPE used in health care settings. PPE includes, but is not limited to, surgical masks, N95 respirators, gloves, gowns, and related medical parts and components." (source)
Covered goods: "Medical consumables refers to single-use or short-term-use items used for patient diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions." (source)
Covered goods: "Medical equipment refers broadly as durable equipment, tools, and machines used in healthcare to support patient care." (source)
Covered goods: "A medical device is any instrument, apparatus, or machine used in the diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of medical conditions." (source)
Exclusions: "Pharmaceuticals, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, biologics, and specialty drugs, will not be covered under this investigation" (source)
End date: "Comments may be submitted at any time but must be received by October 17, 2025." (source)
Awaiting check
Quotes matched to source text by machine; awaiting human check.
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