Find HS Code and trade information for projector

Projector

A projector is an optical device that uses a light source to create an image, typically onto a projection screen. Its primary function is to display content – images, videos, and data – at a larger scale than would be possible on a television or computer monitor.

Materials and Components

Projectors comprise several key components constructed from diverse materials:

• Light Source: Historically, these were commonly lamps (often mercury or xenon arc lamps) encased in glass. Increasingly, LED, laser, and DLP (Digital Light Processing) light sources are used, offering longer lifespans and improved energy efficiency.
• Imaging Chip: This component generates the image. Common types include LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), DLP, and LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon). These chips are made from silicon and utilize liquid crystals or micro-mirrors to manipulate light.
• Lenses: Multiple glass lenses are used to focus and project the image. Lens quality significantly impacts image clarity and zoom capabilities.
• Color Filters: Used in some projector types (especially those using a single chip) to separate and recombine red, green, and blue light for color reproduction. These are typically made of specialized glass or plastic.
• Housing: Typically constructed from metal (aluminum or steel) and plastic to provide structural support and heat dissipation.
• Control Electronics: Includes circuit boards, processors, and power supplies utilizing various electronic components (resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, etc.).

Purpose and Function

The core purpose of a projector is image enlargement and display. It functions by:

1. Receiving a signal: This signal can originate from a computer, Blu-ray player, streaming device, or other source.
2. Processing the signal: The projector's internal processor interprets the signal and prepares it for display.
3. Generating the image: The imaging chip creates the image based on the processed signal.
4. Modulating the light: The light source illuminates the imaging chip, and the chip manipulates the light to create the desired image.
5. Projecting the image: The lens system focuses and projects the image onto a surface, typically a projection screen.

Usage Scenarios

Projectors are utilized in a wide range of applications:

• Home Entertainment: Watching movies, playing video games, and displaying photos.
• Business Presentations: Delivering slideshows and presentations in conference rooms or auditoriums.
• Education: Displaying educational materials in classrooms and lecture halls.
• Cinema: Projecting films in movie theaters.
• Gaming: Immersive gaming experiences with large screen sizes.
• Portable Presentations: Compact projectors for on-the-go presentations.

Common Types

• LCD Projectors: Utilize three LCD panels (red, green, and blue) to create the image. Generally affordable but can sometimes suffer from lower contrast ratios.
• DLP Projectors: Employ a DLP chip with millions of micro-mirrors to create the image. Known for sharp images and fast response times, but can sometimes exhibit a "rainbow effect."
• LED Projectors: Utilize LED light sources and imaging chips. Offer long lifespans, low power consumption, and good color accuracy.
• Laser Projectors: Utilize laser light sources. Provide extremely long lifespans, high brightness, and excellent color accuracy. Often more expensive.
• Portable Projectors (Pico Projectors): Compact and lightweight projectors designed for on-the-go use. Typically have lower brightness and resolution.
• Short Throw Projectors: Designed to project a large image from a short distance, ideal for small rooms.
• Long Throw Projectors: Require a greater distance to project a large image, suitable for larger venues.

Projectors encompass a range of devices used for displaying images or videos, typically onto a screen or surface. They are utilized in various settings, including home entertainment, business presentations, and educational institutions. The classification of a projector under the Harmonized System depends on its specific features and intended use.

The following HS codes are relevant to projectors, based on the provided information:

• 8517690000: This code covers “Other apparatus for transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network): Other”. This could apply to projectors with network connectivity features. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.
• 8528620000: This code is for “Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus: Projectors: Capable of directly connecting to and designed for use with an automatic data processing machine of heading 8471”. The total tax rate is 37.5%, consisting of a 0.0% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
• 9008501000: This code covers “Image projectors, other than cinematographic; photographic (other than cinematographic) enlargers and reducers; parts and accessories thereof: Projectors, enlargers and reducers: Slide projectors”. The total tax rate is 37.0%, with a 7.0% base tariff and a 0.0% additional tariff, rising to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
• 9008504000: This code is for “Image projectors, other than cinematographic; photographic (other than cinematographic) enlargers and reducers; parts and accessories thereof: Projectors, enlargers and reducers: Other image projectors”. The total tax rate is 34.6%, consisting of a 4.6% base tariff and a 0.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
• 9031491000: This code covers “Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof: Other optical instruments and appliances: Other: Profile projectors”. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.

Regarding HS code 9031491000, please note the need to verify the projector's function as a "profile projector".