| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8531801500 | Doc | 31.3% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8531809041 | Doc | 37.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8517180050 | Doc | 30.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9613100000 | Doc | 41.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9613200000 | Doc | 39.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Ringer
A ringer is a device that produces a ringing sound, typically used to signal an incoming call or other notification. The term can refer to the physical component within a telephone, a standalone notification device, or, in modern usage, the sound itself on electronic devices.
History & Material
Originally, ringers in telephones were electromechanical bells. These utilized an electromagnet to strike a metal bell, creating the characteristic ringing sound. Materials included steel for the bell itself, copper wiring for the electromagnet, and various metals for the frame and supporting components. Early telephone ringers required a local power source, often provided by the telephone line itself.
With the advent of solid-state electronics, ringers transitioned to piezoelectric transducers. These devices use the properties of crystals (like quartz) to generate sound when an electrical signal is applied. Modern electronic devices largely utilize speakers – miniature electromagnetic devices similar to those found in radios – to produce ringing sounds. The housings are commonly made of plastic or metal alloys.
Purpose & Function
The primary purpose of a ringer is to alert the user to an incoming communication or event. In telephones, it signals an incoming call. Beyond telephony, ringers can be used for:
- Doorbell systems: Alerting residents to visitors.
- Pagers: Signaling a message.
- Alarm systems: Indicating an alarm trigger.
- Electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, computers): Notifying users of calls, messages, alarms, and other events.
The function involves:
- Signal Reception: Receiving a signal indicating an event requiring notification.
- Activation: Triggering the sound-producing mechanism.
- Sound Emission: Generating an audible sound.
- Volume Control: Adjusting the loudness of the sound. (Common in modern devices)
Usage Scenarios
- Residential Telephones: Traditional landline telephones use ringers to announce incoming calls.
- Business Environments: Office phone systems utilize ringers for internal and external communications.
- Home Security Systems: Ringers provide audible alerts for intrusion detection.
- Mobile Communication: Smartphones and tablets employ ringers for calls, texts, app notifications, and alarms.
- Healthcare: Nurse call systems use ringers to alert staff to patient needs.
Common Types
- Electromechanical Bell Ringers: (Obsolete in most applications) – Characterized by a distinct, metallic ringing sound.
- Piezoelectric Ringers: Compact and efficient, commonly used in older electronic devices.
- Electronic Ringers (Speakers): The most common type today, offering a wide range of customizable sounds and volume control. These are often digital and can play pre-recorded sounds or synthesized tones.
- Silent Ringers/Vibration Alerts: These do not produce audible sound but utilize vibration motors to alert the user. Common in smartphones and other portable devices.
- Customizable Ring Tones: Digital ringers allow users to select or create unique sounds for different contacts or events.
Based on the provided information, a “ringer” can be classified under several HS codes, depending on its specific function and construction. Here’s a breakdown of potential classifications:
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8531801500: Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 8512 or 8530; parts thereof: Other apparatus: Doorbells, chimes, buzzers and similar apparatus.
- 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recording or reproducing apparatus, television-image transmission or reproduction apparatus, and apparatus for transmitting or receiving voice, images or other data. This chapter broadly covers electrical signaling devices.
- 31: Sound or visual signaling apparatus. This heading specifically focuses on devices used for signaling through sound or visual means.
- 80: Other apparatus. This subheading categorizes signaling apparatus not specifically covered elsewhere within the heading.
- 1500: Doorbells, chimes, buzzers and similar apparatus. This further specifies the type of apparatus, including devices like ringers commonly found in doorbells or similar applications. The total tax rate is 31.3% (Base tariff: 1.3%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30.0%).
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8531809041: Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 8512 or 8530; parts thereof: Other apparatus: Other Other sound signaling apparatus.
- 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recording or reproducing apparatus, television-image transmission or reproduction apparatus, and apparatus for transmitting or receiving voice, images or other data.
- 31: Sound or visual signaling apparatus.
- 80: Other apparatus.
- 9041: Other Other sound signaling apparatus. This is a broader category for sound signaling devices not specifically classified elsewhere. The total tax rate is 37.5% (Base tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30.0%).
According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'ringer' are limited, with only the following 2 found.