Find HS Code and trade information for alcohol breath analyzer

Alcohol Breath Analyzer

An alcohol breath analyzer (also known as a breathalyzer, breath alcohol test device, or portable breathalyzer) is a device used to estimate the blood alcohol content (BAC) from a breath sample.

Material & Technology

Most modern breathalyzers utilize one of three primary sensor technologies:

• Semiconductor Oxide Sensors: These are the most common type, particularly in personal and preliminary devices. They rely on a chemical reaction between alcohol and a metal oxide film, changing the electrical resistance of the sensor. The change in resistance correlates to the BAC. They are relatively inexpensive but can be susceptible to interference from other substances.
• Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: These devices measure the absorption of infrared light by alcohol molecules in the breath sample. They are more accurate and less prone to interference than semiconductor sensors, but are generally more expensive and require more frequent calibration. There are two main types: Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) and Mid-Infrared (MIR).
• Fuel Cell Sensors: These use a chemical reaction between alcohol and a platinum catalyst, generating an electrical current proportional to the BAC. They offer good accuracy and are less susceptible to interference than semiconductor sensors, falling between semiconductor and IR devices in terms of cost and complexity.

The device housing is typically constructed from durable plastics, often ABS or polycarbonate, with a mouthpiece, often disposable, made of plastic or a similar material. Internal components include a pump to draw in breath, a sensor, a microcontroller for processing data, and a display screen.

Purpose & Function

The primary purpose of a breathalyzer is to provide a rapid, non-invasive estimate of a person's BAC. This is used for:

• Law Enforcement: To determine if a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, establishing legal evidence for prosecution. These are typically calibrated and maintained to stringent standards.
• Personal Use: For individuals to self-monitor their alcohol consumption, particularly before driving or engaging in activities where sobriety is essential. These devices are generally less accurate than law enforcement grade instruments.
• Workplace Safety: In industries where alcohol impairment poses a safety risk (e.g., transportation, construction), to screen employees for alcohol consumption.
• Medical Monitoring: In some limited medical applications, to monitor alcohol levels in patients undergoing detoxification or treatment for alcohol dependence.

The function relies on the principle that the concentration of alcohol in alveolar air (deep lung air) is proportional to the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream. The device measures the alcohol concentration in the breath sample and converts it to an estimated BAC value.

Usage Scenarios

• Roadside Stops: Law enforcement officers use portable breathalyzers to conduct preliminary screening tests.
• Pre-Drive Checks: Individuals use personal breathalyzers before operating a vehicle.
• Workplace Screening: Employers use breathalyzers to screen employees before allowing them to operate machinery or perform safety-sensitive tasks.
• Alcohol Treatment Facilities: Medical professionals use breathalyzers to monitor patients' alcohol levels.
• Event Security: Security personnel use breathalyzers to prevent intoxicated individuals from entering events or operating equipment.

Common Types

• Passive Breathalyzers: Detect alcohol from a distance without requiring a breath sample. Less accurate and used for preliminary screening.
• Active Breathalyzers: Require a deep lung breath sample to be blown into the device. More accurate than passive devices.
• Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) Devices: Used by law enforcement for roadside screening. Accuracy varies.
• Evidential Breath Analyzers (EBA): Highly accurate devices used in law enforcement for official BAC measurements. Require specific training and calibration.
• Personal Breathalyzers: Smaller, less expensive devices for individual use. Accuracy can vary significantly.
• Smartphone-Connected Breathalyzers: Devices that connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth to display BAC results. Accuracy depends on the quality of the breathalyzer component.

Alcohol breath analyzers fall under the category of electric sound or visual signaling apparatus, specifically those used for detection and measurement. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 8531809051: Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 8512 or 8530; parts thereof: Other apparatus: Other Other. This code broadly covers other signaling apparatus, which could include devices for detecting substances like alcohol.

  • 85: Electrical machines and apparatus; parts thereof.
  • 31: Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus, other than those of heading 8512 or 8530.
  • 80: Other apparatus.
  • 90: Other.
  • 51: Other.

• 8531809005: Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 8512 or 8530; parts thereof: Other apparatus: Other Indicator panels: Incorporating electric discharge (fluorescent) devices. If the alcohol breath analyzer utilizes a fluorescent display to show results, this code may be applicable.

  • 85: Electrical machines and apparatus; parts thereof.
  • 31: Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus, other than those of heading 8512 or 8530.
  • 80: Other apparatus.
  • 90: Other.
  • 05: Indicator panels: Incorporating electric discharge (fluorescent) devices.

• 9027102000: Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis (for example, polarimeters, refractometers, spectrometers, gas or smoke analysis apparatus); instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or the like; instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking quantities of heat, sound or light (including exposure meters); microtomes; parts and accessories thereof: Gas or smoke analysis apparatus: Electrical. Since breath analysis involves the chemical analysis of gas, this code could be relevant.

  • 90: Instruments and apparatus which measure or check physical or chemical qualities of substances or mixtures and instruments and apparatus used in laboratories, hospitals or for medical purposes.
  • 27: Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis.
  • 10: Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis.
  • 20: Gas or smoke analysis apparatus.
  • 00: Electrical.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'alcohol breath analyzer' are limited, with only the following 3 found.

Please note that the total tax rate for HS codes 8531809051 and 8531809005 is 37.5%, while the total tax rate for HS code 9027102000 is 55.0%.