Find HS Code and trade information for fish tank thermometer

Fish Tank Thermometer

A fish tank thermometer is a device used to measure the temperature of water in an aquarium or fish tank. Maintaining a stable and appropriate water temperature is crucial for the health and well-being of aquatic life, as different species have different temperature requirements.

Material:

• Glass: Traditional thermometers often utilize glass tubes filled with a liquid, typically mercury (though less common now due to toxicity concerns) or alcohol.
• Plastic: More modern and safer thermometers are constructed from plastic, often with a digital display.
• Metal: Some thermometers incorporate metal components for durability and accurate sensing.

Purpose:

The primary purpose is to monitor water temperature to ensure it falls within the optimal range for the specific fish, plants, or invertebrates housed in the aquarium. Temperature fluctuations can cause stress, illness, and even death.

Function:

Thermometers operate based on the principle of thermal expansion. As the water temperature changes, the liquid (or electronic sensor) expands or contracts, indicating the temperature on a scale.

• Analog Thermometers: These rely on the visible expansion of a liquid column within a glass tube.
• Digital Thermometers: Utilize electronic sensors to detect temperature and display it numerically. These often include features like min/max temperature recording and alarms.

Usage Scenarios:

• Freshwater Aquariums: Tropical fish generally require temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
• Saltwater Aquariums: Marine fish and invertebrates have varying temperature needs, often between 76-82°F (24-28°C), but can range wider depending on the species and reef setup.
• Pond Monitoring: Larger thermometers are used to track temperature in outdoor ponds.
• Hatching/Breeding Tanks: Precise temperature control is essential during the breeding process.

Common Types:

• Glass Stick-on Thermometers: Affordable and simple, these adhere to the inside of the tank. Accuracy can be limited and they can be difficult to read.
• Glass Floating Thermometers: Offer better accuracy than stick-on types, but take up space in the tank.
• Digital Stick-on Thermometers: Provide accurate readings and often include min/max temperature memory.
• Digital Remote Thermometers: Feature a probe placed in the water and a remote display unit, allowing for convenient monitoring without disturbing the tank.
• Strip Thermometers: Adhesive strips that change color based on temperature. These are less accurate but provide a quick visual indication.
• Wireless Thermometers: Connect to a receiver unit, allowing for remote monitoring via a smartphone app or computer.

Fish tank thermometers fall under several potential classifications based on their specific characteristics. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 9025112000: This code covers “Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, thermometers, pyrometers, barometers, hygrometers and psychrometers, recording or not, and any combination of these instruments; parts and accessories thereof: Thermometers and pyrometers, not combined with other instruments: Liquid-filled, for direct reading: Clinical”. Since a fish tank thermometer is a thermometer for direct reading, and potentially liquid-filled, this is a strong possibility. The base tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 0.0% and a 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 30.0%.
• 9025805000: This code covers “Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, thermometers, pyrometers, barometers, hygrometers and psychrometers, recording or not, and any combination of these instruments; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments: Other: Other”. If the fish tank thermometer doesn't fall into the more specific "clinical" category of 9025112000, this is a potential classification. The base tariff is 1.6%, with an additional tariff of 7.5% and a 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 39.1%.
• 7323999080: This code covers “Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel: Other: Other: Not coated or plated with precious metal: Other: Other Other”. If the thermometer has a significant iron or steel component, this code might apply. The base tariff is 3.4%, with an additional tariff of 25.0% and a 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 83.4%.
• 7323997000: This code covers “Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel: Other: Other: Not coated or plated with precious metal: Other: Cookingware”. If the thermometer is considered cookingware, this code might apply. The base tariff is 5.3%, with an additional tariff of 0.0% and a 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 60.3%.

Important Considerations:

• The final classification depends on the material composition and intended use of the fish tank thermometer.
• Regarding HS codes 7323999080 and 7323997000, please note the additional tariff of 25.0% on steel and aluminum products.
• If the thermometer contains plastic components, HS codes 3926904000 or 3926909910 might also be relevant.