8532.25.00 - Dielectric of paper or plastics

This HTS category, 8532.25.00, specifically covers fixed capacitors where the dielectric material is composed of paper or plastics. These components are fundamental electrical elements designed to store energy in an electric field. Examples include metallized paper capacitors, film capacitors (such as polyester, polypropylene, or polycarbonate film), and oil-filled paper capacitors, commonly found in power supplies, lighting ballasts, and various electronic circuits.

It's crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. While 8532.21.00 covers tantalum capacitors, 8532.22.00 includes aluminum electrolytic types, and 8532.23.00 and 8532.24.00 are dedicated to single and multilayer ceramic dielectric capacitors respectively. Category 8532.29.00 encompasses all other fixed capacitors not fitting into the aforementioned specific dielectric material classifications. Therefore, the defining characteristic for 8532.25.00 is the exclusive use of paper or plastic as the insulating layer between the capacitor's conductive plates.

Within this category, further subdivision exists to differentiate based on the capacitor's intended application. The subcategory for "Alternating current (AC) service" pertains to capacitors specifically designed to operate within AC circuits, often for power factor correction or motor starting applications. The "Other" subcategory captures fixed paper or plastic dielectric capacitors not explicitly designated for AC service, typically intended for general DC applications within electronic devices.