7307.19.30 - Ductile fittings

This category, HTS 7307.19.30, specifically encompasses ductile iron fittings used in the construction and maintenance of piping systems. These fittings are characterized by their ductility, meaning they can deform under tensile stress without fracturing. They are designed to connect pipes, alter the direction of flow, or provide access points within a fluid or gas transport system. Examples include elbows, tees, couplings, and reducers made from ductile iron.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 7307.19.90, is crucial for accurate classification. While both fall under "Other" cast fittings, HTS 7307.19.30 is exclusively for fittings made of ductile iron. The sibling category, 7307.19.90, would cover cast iron fittings that are not ductile, or potentially fittings made from other ferrous materials not specifically enumerated elsewhere within Chapter 73. Therefore, the material composition and its inherent property of ductility are the primary differentiating factors.

Further refinement within this classification is achieved through its subcategories. HTS 7307.19.30.40 specifically addresses grooved-end fittings, a common type of ductile iron fitting designed for mechanical joint connections that employ a grooved system. The existence of a further "Other" subcategory indicates that any ductile iron fittings not meeting the specific criteria of grooved-end fittings would be classified within that residual grouping, allowing for granular differentiation based on specific design features.