8516.40 - Electric flatirons:

This HTS category, 8516.40, encompasses electric flatirons, also commonly known as electric irons or clothes irons. These appliances are designed to press and smooth fabrics using a heated soleplate. The primary function of items classified here is the application of heat and pressure to garments or textiles to remove wrinkles and create a pressed appearance.

Within heading 8516, which broadly covers various electrothermic appliances, category 8516.40 is specifically dedicated to electric flatirons. This distinguishes them from other electrothermic devices in the same heading, such as instantaneous or storage water heaters (8516.10), space heating apparatus, hairdressing apparatus, microwave ovens (8516.50), and other cooking appliances. While all these devices utilize electricity for heating, their form, function, and intended use are distinct.

The subcategories within 8516.40 further refine the classification based on specific characteristics. For instance, 8516.40.20.00 designates travel type flatirons, which are typically smaller, lighter, and may have folding handles for portability. The remaining flatirons fall under 8516.40.40.00, covering standard-sized domestic and professional irons, allowing for a more granular approach to import and export declarations based on the specific type of electric flatiron being traded.