8481.80.30.90 - Other

HTS code 8481.80.30.90 encompasses "other" hand-operated valves of iron or steel, specifically those not classified under preceding subheadings. This broad category captures a wide range of manual control devices for fluid or gas flow that are constructed from steel and operate via manual manipulation, such as levers, wheels, or cranks. It serves as a residual category for steel hand-operated valves that do not fall into more specific classifications like gate, globe, plug, ball, or butterfly types, which are differentiated by their internal mechanisms and sealing principles.

This classification is crucial for distinguishing between various operational designs of steel hand-operated valves. For instance, a gate valve (8481.80.30.55) uses a sliding gate to control flow, while a globe valve (8481.80.30.60) employs a disc that moves against a seat. Similarly, ball valves (8481.80.30.70) utilize a perforated sphere to regulate flow. When a hand-operated steel valve's specific internal mechanism does not align with these distinct types, it falls into the "other" category, ensuring that all steel hand-operated valves are properly accounted for within the tariff schedule.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification of a particular valve under 8481.80.30.90 will hinge on its material composition (steel), its method of operation (hand-operated), and the absence of it fitting into the more specific valve types defined by its siblings. Practical classification considerations would include examining the valve's internal components to confirm it is neither a gate, globe, plug, ball, nor butterfly type, and verifying it is indeed made of steel and manually actuated.