8443.32.10.30 - Light bar electronic type
Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit of Quantity | No. |
| General Rate of Duty | Free |
| Special Rate of Duty | N/A |
| Column 2 Rate of Duty | 35% |
| Quota Quantity | N/A |
| Additional Duties | N/A |
Overview
This HTS category, 8443.32.10.30, specifically covers light bar electronic type printers. These devices are characterized by their use of an electronic light bar, typically an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), to selectively cure or expose photosensitive material, thereby forming the printed image. They are considered "other printers" under heading 8443 because they do not fall into more specific subcategories based on printing mechanisms like laser, ink jet, or thermal transfer. Their classification here is contingent on their ability to connect to an automatic data processing machine or a network, aligning with the broader scope of "other printers, copying machines and facsimile machines, whether or not combined, capable of connecting to an automatic data processing machine or to a network."
Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. While all items within 8443.32.10 are "printer units" capable of network or ADP connection, the defining characteristic of 8443.32.10.30 is the specific mechanism employed. For example, it differs from ink jet printers (8443.32.10.40) which spray liquid ink, and thermal transfer printers (8443.32.10.50) which use heat to transfer ink from a ribbon. The light bar technology implies a process that typically involves exposing a liquid resin or solid-state material, often seen in applications like 3D printing or certain industrial printing processes where a light source solidifies material.
As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Therefore, the classification of a "light bar electronic type" printer to this specific code relies on confirming its functional mechanism (light bar exposure/curing) and its connectivity capabilities. Any printer unit utilizing a light bar as its primary imaging technology and connecting to an ADP machine or network would fall under this classification.