Find HS Code and trade information for transfer tube

Transfer Tube

A transfer tube, also known as a transfer pipette, capillary tube, or Pasteur pipette (though Pasteur pipettes are a specific type of transfer tube), is a small glass or plastic tube used to transfer liquids, typically in small volumes.

Material:

• Glass: Traditionally made of glass, offering chemical resistance and clarity. Borosilicate glass is common due to its resistance to thermal shock.
• Plastic: Often polypropylene or polyethylene, providing disposability, flexibility, and reduced breakage risk.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of a transfer tube is the accurate and controlled movement of liquids, particularly for:

• Laboratory Use: Transferring reagents, samples, or solutions in chemistry, biology, and medical laboratories.
• Sample Preparation: Moving small volumes for analysis, dilution, or mixing.
• Cell Culture: Aseptic transfer of cell suspensions.
• Cosmetics/Pharmaceuticals: Precise dispensing of liquids during formulation or packaging.

Function:

Transfer tubes operate based on principles of capillary action and often utilize a bulb or squeeze mechanism for suction.

• Capillary Action: The liquid is drawn into the tube due to the adhesive forces between the liquid and the tube walls, and the cohesive forces within the liquid itself.
• Suction: A bulb (often rubber or silicone) is squeezed to create a vacuum, drawing the liquid into the tube. Releasing the pressure allows controlled dispensing. Some tubes utilize a self-pipetting design.
• Gravity: In some applications, liquid flow is controlled by gravity after being drawn into the tube.

Usage Scenarios:

• Aliquoting: Dividing a larger volume into smaller, equal portions.
• Serial Dilutions: Creating a series of dilutions for quantitative analysis.
• Microscopy: Transferring small volumes to microscope slides.
• Chromatography: Loading samples into chromatography columns.
• ELISA/Immunoassays: Adding reagents to wells in microplates.

Common Types:

• Pasteur Pipette: A glass tube with a narrow bore, often used for non-critical volume measurements. Typically requires a pipette bulb.
• Capillary Pipette: Narrow glass tubes with calibrated markings for precise volume transfer. Often used with a micropipette controller.
• Transfer Pipette (Uncalibrated): Simple glass or plastic tubes for general liquid transfer where exact volume is not critical.
• Self-Pipetting Tubes: Tubes with a built-in mechanism for drawing and dispensing liquids without external bulbs.
• Disposable Transfer Pipettes: Plastic tubes, often with a tapered tip, designed for single-use applications.
• Long Stem Pipettes: Used for reaching into narrow containers.

Based on the provided information, “transfer tube” can be classified under several HS codes, depending on the material and specific application. Here's a breakdown:

• 7011900000: This code covers glass envelopes (including bulbs and tubes), open, and glass parts thereof, without fittings, for electric lamps and light sources, cathode-ray tubes or the like. This would apply if the transfer tube is made of glass and is used in such applications. The total tax rate is 61.6% (Base tariff: 6.6%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%).
• 7305191030: This code applies to line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines, made of iron or nonalloy steel, with an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm but not exceeding 609.6 mm. If the transfer tube is a steel pipe used for oil or gas transfer within this diameter range, this code is applicable. The total tax rate is 30.0% (Base tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%).
• 7305191060: Similar to the above, this code covers line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines, made of iron or nonalloy steel, with an external diameter exceeding 609.6 mm. If the transfer tube is a steel pipe used for oil or gas transfer and exceeds this diameter, this code applies. The total tax rate is 30.0% (Base tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%).
• 7411101030: This code covers copper tubes and pipes, of refined copper, seamless, having an outside diameter of 6 mm or more but not exceeding 16 mm, in coils on spools. If the transfer tube is made of refined copper and meets these specifications, this code is applicable. The total tax rate is 56.5% (Base tariff: 1.5%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%).
• 7411105000: This code covers copper tubes and pipes, of refined copper, other than those specified in 7411101030. If the transfer tube is made of refined copper but does not meet the specifications of 7411101030, this code applies. The total tax rate is 58.0% (Base tariff: 3.0%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%).

Important Considerations:

• The classification depends heavily on the material of the tube (glass, steel, copper, etc.).
• For steel tubes (7305191030/7305191060), the intended use (oil or gas pipelines) is crucial.
• For copper tubes (7411101030/7411105000), the diameter and form (coils on spools) are important factors.
• If the transfer tube is made of other materials not listed above, further investigation is needed to determine the correct HS code.