8419.20.00.10 - Medical or surgical sterilizers

This category, HTS 8419.20.00.10, encompasses sterilizers specifically designed for use in medical or surgical settings. These devices are crucial for eliminating microorganisms from instruments, equipment, and other materials to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. They typically employ methods such as steam under pressure (autoclaves), dry heat, or chemical agents to achieve sterilization.

While the broader heading 8419 covers a range of equipment for heat treatment, this specific subheading narrows the focus to those intended for healthcare applications. It is important to distinguish these from sibling category 8419.20.00.20, which covers laboratory sterilizers. Medical and surgical sterilizers are distinguished by their design, regulatory compliance, and intended use within clinical environments, often meeting stricter standards for efficacy and safety compared to general laboratory sterilizers.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification within this code relies on accurately identifying the intended application of the sterilizer as being for medical or surgical purposes, as opposed to general laboratory use or other industrial heat treatment processes.