Find HS Code and trade information for manual pricing machine

Manual Pricing Machine

A manual pricing machine is a mechanical device used for printing prices and other information directly onto labels or tags. These machines are commonly found in retail environments, particularly in smaller businesses or departments where high-volume, automated labeling isn't necessary.

Material:

• Housing: Typically constructed from metal alloys (often aluminum) or durable plastic for longevity and ease of handling.
• Printing Mechanism: Utilizes rubber printing wheels or bands, each containing a character (number, letter, symbol). These wheels are arranged to form prices and other text.
• Labels: Designed for use with paper, plastic, or adhesive labels of varying sizes and types. The type of label used must be compatible with the machine’s printing pressure and feed mechanism.
• Ink: Often employs a ribbon-based ink system, similar to a typewriter, to transfer ink onto the label. Some newer models may use direct thermal printing.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of a manual pricing machine is to quickly and efficiently apply pricing information to merchandise. They offer a cost-effective alternative to electronic price labeling systems or pre-printed labels. They also allow for easy price changes.

Function:

Manual pricing machines function by physically pressing rubber printing wheels against a label via an inked ribbon (or direct thermal pressure). The user selects the desired characters by rotating dials or levers, aligning them to form the price or text. A handle or lever is then pressed to imprint the information onto the label. Most models feature a built-in counter to track the number of labels printed.

Usage Scenarios:

• Retail Stores: Applying prices to clothing, accessories, books, gifts, and other merchandise.
• Garage Sales/Flea Markets: Quickly pricing items for sale.
• Small Businesses: Applying prices to products in workshops or small-scale manufacturing environments.
• Inventory Management: Labeling items with price codes for internal tracking.
• Warehousing: Basic price identification for goods.

Common Types:

• 8-Digit Pricing Machines: The most common type, capable of printing up to eight digits, suitable for most retail pricing needs.
• 6-Digit Pricing Machines: Smaller and more compact, ideal for lower-volume applications or smaller price ranges.
• Alpha-Numeric Pricing Machines: Capable of printing both numbers and letters, allowing for more detailed labeling (e.g., product codes, descriptions).
• Heavy-Duty Pricing Machines: Designed for high-volume use, featuring more robust construction and printing mechanisms.
• Direct Thermal Pricing Machines: Utilize heat to create the print on specialized thermal labels, eliminating the need for ink ribbons.
• Self-Adhesive Label Pricing Machines: Integrate a label applicator, allowing for simultaneous printing and application of labels.

Based on the provided information, a manual pricing machine falls under the category of measuring or checking instruments, or office machines. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes:

• 8423810020: Weighing machinery (excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5 cg or better), including weight-operated counting or checking machines; weighing machine weights of all kinds; parts of weighing machinery: Other weighing machinery: Having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30 kg. Digital electronic type: Retail scales, non-computing. This code applies if the machine incorporates weighing functionality and is used in retail settings for non-computing pricing.
• 8423810030: Weighing machinery (excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5 cg or better), including weight-operated counting or checking machines; weighing machine weights of all kinds; parts of weighing machinery: Other weighing machinery: Having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30 kg. Digital electronic type: Retail scales, computing. This code applies if the machine incorporates weighing functionality and is used in retail settings for computing pricing.
• 8472906000: Other office machines (for example, hectograph or stencil duplicating machines, addressing machines, automatic banknote dispensers, coin-sorting machines, coin-counting or wrapping machines, pencil-sharpening machines, perforating or stapling machines): Other: Numbering, dating and check-writing machines. This code is relevant if the machine primarily functions as a numbering, dating, or check-writing device.
• 8472909080: Other office machines (for example, hectograph or stencil duplicating machines, addressing machines, automatic banknote dispensers, coin-sorting machines, coin-counting or wrapping machines, pencil-sharpening machines, perforating or stapling machines): Other: Other. This is a broader category for office machines not specifically listed and could apply if the machine doesn't fit the other classifications within this heading.
• 9031808060: Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments, appliances and machines: Other Equipment for testing the characteristics of internal combustion engines: For testing electrical characteristics. This code could apply if the machine is used for testing characteristics, specifically electrical characteristics.
• 9031808085: Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments, appliances and machines: Other Other. This is a broader category for measuring instruments not specifically listed and could apply if the machine doesn't fit the other classifications within this heading.

Important Note: The total tax rate for codes 8423810020, 8423810030, 8472906000, and 8472909080 is 55.0%. The total tax rate for codes 9031808060 and 9031808085 is 30.0%.

Suggestion: When declaring, carefully consider the primary function of the machine. If it incorporates weighing, codes 8423810020 or 8423810030 are likely more appropriate. If it's purely a numbering/dating device, 8472906000 is more suitable. If it's a general measuring instrument, 9031808085 might be the best fit.