Find HS Code and trade information for photo booth

Photo Booth

A photo booth is a marketing and entertainment setup that allows people to take photographs, typically as souvenirs or for social media sharing. Modern photo booths have evolved significantly from the traditional automated booths of the past, but the core principle remains the same: providing a self-service photography experience.

Materials & Components

Photo booths are constructed from a variety of materials, depending on their type and features. Common components include:

• Enclosure: Typically made of wood, metal, plastic, or a combination thereof. Provides privacy and defines the booth space.
• Camera: Digital cameras are standard, ranging from basic webcams to high-resolution DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
• Lighting: Crucial for image quality. Often utilizes softbox lights, ring lights, or LED panels to minimize shadows and provide consistent illumination.
• Computer/Control System: Manages the camera, software, display, and printing functions.
• Display Screen: Used for previewing images, selecting filters, and initiating the photo capture process. Touchscreen displays are common.
• Printer: Thermal printers are widely used for fast, on-demand photo prints. Dye-sublimation printers offer higher quality prints.
• Software: Controls the photo capture process, provides editing tools (filters, props, text overlays), and manages printing/sharing options.
• Props: A variety of physical props (hats, glasses, signs, masks) are often provided to enhance the fun and creativity of the photos.

Purpose & Function

The primary purpose of a photo booth is entertainment and capturing memories. Functions include:

• Image Capture: Taking multiple photos in quick succession (often a burst of 3-4) to allow users to select the best image.
• Image Editing: Applying filters, adding props (digital or physical), and adding text overlays.
• Printing: Creating physical photo prints on demand.
• Digital Sharing: Allowing users to share photos via email, SMS, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), or QR codes.
• Branding: Many photo booths incorporate branding elements (logos, custom overlays) for marketing purposes at events.

Usage Scenarios

Photo booths are commonly used in a wide range of events and settings:

• Weddings: Providing a fun activity for guests and creating lasting memories.
• Parties: Birthdays, corporate events, holiday parties, and other social gatherings.
• Corporate Events: Branding opportunities, team building, and promotional activities.
• Marketing Campaigns: Generating social media buzz and collecting user-generated content.
• Retail Locations: Attracting customers and providing a unique experience.
• Festivals & Concerts: Entertainment and souvenir creation.

Common Types

Several types of photo booths are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Traditional Booth: Enclosed structure with a dedicated camera, printer, and computer. Offers privacy and a controlled environment.
• Open-Air Booth: No enclosure, allowing for larger groups and more dynamic backgrounds. Requires more space.
• Social Media Kiosk: Focuses on digital sharing rather than physical prints. Often utilizes a touchscreen interface.
• 360 Photo Booth: Captures a 360-degree view of the subject, creating a dynamic video or animated GIF.
• GIF Booth: Creates animated GIFs from a series of photos.
• Roaming Photo Booth: A portable setup that can be moved around an event space, allowing for more interactive experiences.
• Smartphone Photo Booth: Utilizes users' smartphones as the camera, often with a custom app and branded filters.

Based on the provided information, a photo booth can be classified under several HS codes, depending on its specific features and functionalities. Here's a breakdown:

• 9006.59.20.00: This code covers photographic cameras, other than those used for preparing printing plates or cylinders. Specifically, it includes cameras of a kind used for preparing printing plates or cylinders. The total tax rate is 37.5% (0.0% basic tariff, 7.5% additional tariff, and 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).
• 8543.70.88.00: This code applies to electrical machines and apparatus with individual functions not specified elsewhere. It includes electrical machines with translation or dictionary functions, and video game console controllers which use infrared transmissions to operate or access the various functions and capabilities of the console. The total tax rate is 30.0% (0.0% basic tariff and 0.0% additional tariff, with an additional 30.0% tariff after April 2, 2025).
• 8476.89.00.00: This code covers automatic goods-vending machines (for example, postage stamp, cigarette, food or beverage machines), including money-changing machines; parts thereof, specifically other machines. The total tax rate is 37.5% (0.0% basic tariff, 7.5% additional tariff, and 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).
• 8519.89.30.00: This code covers sound recording or reproducing apparatus, other apparatus, other. The total tax rate is 37.5% (0.0% basic tariff, 7.5% additional tariff, and 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).

Important Considerations:

• If the photo booth incorporates heating or refrigerating devices, HS code 8476.81.00.00 may be applicable, with a total tax rate of 55.0% (0.0% basic tariff, 25.0% additional tariff, and 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).
• If the photo booth functions as an automatic vending machine for photos, HS code 8476.89.00.00 is relevant.
• If the photo booth includes sound recording or reproducing features, HS code 8519.89.30.00 should be considered.
• If the photo booth is equipped with electrical machines with translation or dictionary functions, HS code 8543.70.88.00 may apply.

It is crucial to determine the primary function of the photo booth to select the most accurate HS code.