8516.90 - Parts:

Heading 8516.90 encompasses a broad range of parts and accessories specifically designed for use with the electrothermic appliances classified under heading 8516. This category is a catch-all for components that, by themselves, do not constitute a finished appliance but are essential for the function or assembly of those listed in subheadings of 8516. This includes, but is not limited to, heating elements, thermostats, control panels, casings, and wiring harnesses that are exclusively intended for use with water heaters, space heaters, hairdressing apparatus, flatirons, microwave ovens, or other domestic electrothermic appliances.

This "parts" category is distinguished from its sibling headings (e.g., 8516.10 for water heaters, 8516.31 for hair dryers) by its focus solely on the constituent components rather than the complete functional unit. While siblings describe the finished appliances themselves, 8516.90 deals with the elements that make those appliances operate. For example, a complete hair dryer falls under 8516.31, but its heating element or motor would be classified under 8516.90 if solely intended for that appliance.

The subcategories within 8516.90 provide further specificity by enumerating parts for particular types of appliances. For instance, specific subheadings exist for parts of water heaters, hand-drying apparatus, electric flatirons, and microwave ovens. This hierarchical structure allows for more precise classification based on the intended end-use of the part, reflecting the principle that the classification of parts is often determined by the appliance they are designed to serve. The final residual subheading, 8516.90.90.00, is for any remaining parts not otherwise specified within the more granular subcategories.