8481 - Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves; parts thereof:
Sub-classifications
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8481 1000
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8481 1000 20
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8481 30
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8481 4000 00
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8481 80
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8481 90
Overview
Heading 8481 encompasses a wide array of valves and similar appliances designed for controlling the flow of substances within piping systems, boilers, tanks, and vats. This category specifically includes devices like taps, cocks, pressure-reducing valves, and thermostatically controlled valves. The primary function of these appliances is to regulate, direct, or shut off the passage of liquids, gases, or other media. It is important to distinguish these items from machinery components that might incorporate valves but whose primary function is not flow control itself.
Unlike sibling categories within Chapter 84, which cover a broad spectrum of machinery and mechanical appliances such as engines, turbines, or tools, heading 8481 is precisely focused on the flow control devices themselves. For instance, while a pump (e.g., in heading 8413) may contain integrated valves, the pump as a whole falls under its own heading, whereas a standalone valve for that pump would be classified here. Similarly, machinery for processing materials will have its own classification, separate from the valves that manage the intake or output of those materials.
Within heading 8481, further subheadings provide granular classification based on the specific type and function of the valve. Subheadings differentiate between pressure-reducing valves (8481.10), valves designed for hydraulic or pneumatic power transmission systems (8481.20), and check valves that allow flow in only one direction (8481.30). Safety or relief valves, designed to prevent over-pressurization (8481.40), are also a distinct category. Other appliances not falling into these specific types are captured under "Other appliances" (8481.80), and critical components of these devices are classified as "Parts" (8481.90).