8516.33.00.00 - Hand-drying apparatus

This HTS category, 8516.33.00.00, specifically encompasses electrothermic apparatus designed for drying hands. These devices utilize electrical resistance to generate heat, which is then expelled, typically by a fan, to evaporate moisture from the hands. Examples include wall-mounted units commonly found in public restrooms and commercial facilities.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. HTS code 8516.31.00.00 covers "Hair dryers," which are also electrothermic apparatus for drying but are intended for personal use on hair. The sibling category 8516.32.00 refers to "Other hairdressing apparatus," which includes items like curling irons and tong heaters, all aimed at styling or manipulating hair rather than simply drying hands.

As a leaf node, this category has no further subdivisions. Therefore, classification within 8516.33.00.00 relies directly on the primary function of the apparatus being hand-drying. If a device is designed for both hair drying and hand drying, its classification would be determined by its predominant intended use, or potentially by specific import regulations that may dictate a primary classification based on the most detailed description.