Find HS Code and trade information for filter box

Filter Box

A filter box, commonly referred to as an air filter box, is a component within an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), engine intake, or air purification system designed to remove particulates from an air stream. Its primary function is to improve air quality by trapping dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne contaminants.

Material

Filter boxes themselves are typically constructed from materials like:

• Plastic: Common for disposable filter boxes in residential HVAC systems, offering low cost and ease of manufacturing.
• Metal: Used in more robust applications like automotive engine air intake systems or industrial air filtration, providing durability and resistance to higher pressures.
• Cardboard: Frequently used as a frame material for disposable filters, often coated for moisture resistance.

The filter media within the box varies significantly and determines the filtration efficiency:

• Fiberglass: Inexpensive and commonly used in basic HVAC filters. Offers low resistance to airflow but limited filtration of small particles.
• Pleated Polyester: More efficient than fiberglass, with a larger surface area for capturing contaminants.
• HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air): Highly efficient, capturing at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in diameter. Used in applications requiring very clean air.
• Activated Carbon: Used to remove odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Often combined with other filter media.
• Electrostatic: Utilize an electrostatic charge to attract and capture particles.

Purpose

The core purpose of a filter box is to protect downstream components and improve air quality:

• Protect Equipment: In HVAC systems, filters prevent dust buildup on coils and fans, maintaining efficiency and extending equipment lifespan. In engines, they prevent abrasive particles from entering the combustion chamber.
• Improve Air Quality: Removing particulates reduces allergens, irritants, and pollutants, creating a healthier indoor environment or improving engine performance.
• Maintain System Efficiency: Clean filters ensure optimal airflow, reducing energy consumption and operating costs.

Function

A filter box functions by forcing air through the filter media. The media traps airborne particles through several mechanisms:

• Direct Interception: Larger particles collide directly with the filter fibers.
• Inertial Impaction: Heavier particles cannot follow the airflow around fibers and collide with them.
• Diffusion: Smaller particles move randomly and collide with fibers.
• Electrostatic Attraction: Electrostatic filters use charged fibers to attract particles.

Usage Scenarios

• Residential HVAC Systems: Central heating and cooling systems utilize filter boxes to protect the furnace and air conditioner and improve indoor air quality.
• Automotive Engine Air Intake: Filters prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine, protecting critical components and maintaining performance.
• Industrial Air Filtration: Used in manufacturing facilities, laboratories, and cleanrooms to remove pollutants and maintain controlled environments.
• Air Purifiers: Standalone air purification devices use filter boxes to remove allergens, dust, and odors from indoor air.
• Vacuum Cleaners: Filters capture dust and debris, preventing them from being exhausted back into the air.

Common Types

• Disposable Panel Filters: The most common type, typically made of fiberglass or pleated polyester. They are replaced regularly. MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings indicate filtration efficiency.
• Pleated Filters: Offer higher efficiency than basic panel filters due to increased surface area.
• HEPA Filters: Used in applications requiring very clean air, such as hospitals and laboratories.
• Electrostatic Filters: Reusable filters that use an electrostatic charge to attract particles. Require periodic cleaning.
• Carbon Filters: Used to remove odors, gases, and VOCs. Often combined with other filter media.
• Washable Filters: Reusable filters that can be cleaned and reused. Less efficient than disposable filters.
• Engine Air Filter Boxes: Designed specifically for automotive applications, often incorporating a robust housing and a high-flow filter element.

Based on the provided reference material, determining the precise HS code for “filter box” requires understanding its material composition and intended use. Here are potential HS codes based on the information available:

• 3923900080: This code covers articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics: Other. If the filter box is made of plastic and used for packing, this could be applicable. The total tax rate is 58.0%, comprised of a 3.0% base tariff and a 25.0% (increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025) additional tariff.
• 3926901000: This code covers other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Buckets and pails. If the filter box is structurally similar to a bucket or pail and made of plastic, this could be considered. The total tax rate is 40.9%, consisting of a 3.4% base tariff and a 7.5% (increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025) additional tariff.
• 3926909989: This code covers other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Other. This is a broader category for plastic articles not specifically classified elsewhere. The total tax rate is 42.8%, with a 5.3% base tariff and a 7.5% (increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025) additional tariff.
• 8421290065: This code covers centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases; parts thereof: Filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids: Other Other: Other: Other. If the filter box is an integral part of a filtering or purifying apparatus for liquids, this code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 55.0%, consisting of a 0.0% base tariff and a 25.0% (increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025) additional tariff.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'filter box' are limited, with only the following 4 found.

It is important to determine the precise material composition and function of the filter box to ensure accurate classification. If the filter box contains parts made of materials other than plastics, or if it is part of a larger machine, other HS codes may be more appropriate.