9001.90.80.00 - Halftone screens designed for use in engraving or photographic processes

This HTS category, 9001.90.80.00, specifically covers halftone screens designed for use in engraving or photographic processes. These are specialized optical elements, often characterized by finely etched or printed patterns of dots or lines, which are crucial for creating tonal gradations in images reproduced through these methods. Examples include screens used in offset printing, gravure printing, and traditional photographic reproduction.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 9001.90.90.00, is the explicit mention of their intended application. While 9001.90.90.00 encompasses "Other" unmounted optical elements not otherwise specified, this particular code is reserved for those halftones whose primary function is intrinsically linked to engraving or photographic reproduction techniques. The specific purpose of the screen is the determining factor for classification.

As a leaf node within the HTS structure, this category does not have further subcategories. Therefore, classification within 9001.90.80.00 depends on the precise nature of the halftone screen and its documented use in engraving or photographic processes. The material composition and the precision of the pattern are important considerations for proper identification, ensuring that the item is indeed a functional halftone screen for these specific industrial or artistic applications.