8481.80.30.70 - Ball type

This HTS classification covers ball valves made of steel. Ball valves are mechanical devices designed to control or regulate the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe. They operate by inserting a hollow, perforated, or solid ball into the flow path, which can be rotated to either allow or block the passage of the fluid. These valves are characterized by their robust construction and the spherical sealing mechanism.

Within the broader category of "Of steel" for hand-operated valves of iron or steel, this subcategory specifically distinguishes itself from other types of valves based on their internal mechanism. For example, it differs from gate valves (8481.80.30.55) which use a sliding gate, globe valves (8481.80.30.60) which employ a disc seating against a ring, and plug valves (8481.80.30.65) which use a tapered or cylindrical plug. The defining characteristic here is the use of a ball for flow control.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subdivisions under HTS 8481.80.30.70. Classification at this level is determined by the material (steel) and the specific internal operating mechanism (ball type). Therefore, any steel valve that functions by the rotation of a spherical component to control flow would fall under this designation, provided it meets the preceding classification criteria.