8419.20.00.20 - Laboratory sterilizers

This category encompasses laboratory sterilizers, which are specialized pieces of equipment designed for the controlled elimination of microorganisms through processes such as heat, steam, or chemical agents. These devices are crucial in research and development settings, quality control laboratories, and any environment where aseptic conditions are paramount for experimental integrity and the safety of biological materials. The core function of these sterilizers is to render laboratory equipment, media, or samples free from viable organisms.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 8419.20.00.10 (Medical or surgical sterilizers), the primary difference lies in their intended application and operational scale. While medical and surgical sterilizers are focused on instruments and materials used in healthcare settings, laboratory sterilizers are tailored for the more diverse and often smaller-scale sterilization needs of scientific research, analytical testing, and advanced material processing within a laboratory environment.

As this classification is a leaf node, there are no further subdivisions. Therefore, importers and customs officials should focus on the specific design, capacity, and primary intended use of the equipment to ensure accurate classification under 8419.20.00.20. Examples include autoclaves, dry heat sterilizers, and specialized incubators designed for sterile processing, specifically when their application is confined to a laboratory context.