8443.17.00.00 - Gravure printing machinery

This HTS category, 8443.17.00.00, specifically classifies gravure printing machinery. Gravure printing is a process that uses an etched cylinder as the printing plate, where ink is held in recessed cells on the cylinder's surface. This method is characterized by its ability to produce high-quality, continuous-tone images, making it suitable for large-volume production of publications, packaging, and decorative materials. The machinery within this classification is designed for this specific intaglio printing technique.

Gravure printing machinery is distinguished from its siblings primarily by its printing mechanism. For instance, offset printing machinery (8443.11 through 8443.13) transfers ink indirectly to the substrate via a blanket cylinder, while letterpress printing (8443.14 and 8443.15) utilizes raised printing elements. Flexographic printing, another related process, also uses raised plates but typically employs a more flexible plate material and less viscous inks. Machinery classified under 8443.17.00.00 is exclusively for the gravure process, utilizing engraved cylinders.

As a leaf node in the HTS classification, 8443.17.00.00 does not have further subcategories. Therefore, the focus for classification within this code is on ensuring the machinery's core functionality is indeed gravure printing, as opposed to other printing methods. Key classification considerations would include the presence of engraved cylinders, ink transfer systems designed for gravure, and the overall mechanical configuration suited for this specific printing technology.