8434 - Milking machines and dairy machinery, and parts thereof:

Heading 8434 encompasses machinery specifically designed for the milking of animals and for dairy processing. This includes the equipment used directly in the milking process, such as mechanical milking machines, whether for individual animals or larger operations. It also extends to machinery used in the subsequent processing of milk, such as pasteurizers, separators, homogenizers, and churns, all intended for dairy production.

Unlike the preceding chapters that deal with live animals or primary agricultural products, Heading 8434 focuses exclusively on the mechanical and electrical apparatus used in the dairy industry. Its siblings in the broader machinery chapter (Chapter 84) cover a vast array of mechanical appliances for different industries, making the specific purpose of milk processing the key differentiator here.

Within Heading 8434, the classification is further refined into subcategories. 8434.10.00.00 specifically enumerates milking machines, covering all apparatus designed for the extraction of milk from animals. Following this, 8434.20.00.00 addresses dairy machinery, encompassing a broader range of equipment utilized in the processing and preparation of milk and its derivatives, such as butter or cheese. Finally, 8434.90.00.00 is dedicated to parts and accessories for both milking machines and dairy machinery, ensuring that all components integral to these operations are appropriately classified.