## Common ground
All options are devices designed to control humidity in the air, either by adding moisture (humidifiers) or removing it (dehumidifiers).
## Options at a glance
**3824.99 – Single-use dehumidifier**
- **Defining trait:** Uses calcium chloride that chemically absorbs moisture and turns into saltwater.
- **Typical examples:** Disposable desiccant packs in small rooms or closets.
- **Best fit when:** No electricity, no moving parts, one-time use, low maintenance.
**3926.90 – Evaporative humidifier (plastic, non-electric)**
- **Defining trait:** Relies on natural evaporation via wicking material; no power needed.
- **Typical examples:** Simple plastic trays with fabric pads in hotel rooms.
- **Best fit when:** No electricity available, low cost, small space, passive operation.
**8415.82 – Refrigeration-type dehumidifier (with cooling unit)**
- **Defining trait:** Cools air to condense moisture; uses a refrigerating cycle.
- **Typical examples:** Home or office units with compressor and fan.
- **Best fit when:** High humidity, active cooling needed, continuous operation.
**8415.83 – Refrigeration-type dehumidifier (without cooling unit)**
- **Defining trait:** Uses refrigeration to condense moisture but does not cool the air.
- **Typical examples:** Industrial or commercial units focused only on drying.
- **Best fit when:** Dehumidification without temperature reduction.
**8419.39 – Industrial air drier**
- **Defining trait:** Designed for industrial processes (e.g., plastic, telecom).
- **Typical examples:** Desiccant dryers for compressed air systems.
- **Best fit when:** High-purity or high-volume drying in manufacturing.
**8419.89 – Non-electric heater-based humidifier/dehumidifier**
- **Defining trait:** Uses instantaneous or stored water heaters (no electric motor).
- **Typical examples:** Water-heating units that release steam or dry air via heat.
- **Best fit when:** No electricity, but heat source available (e.g., boiler).
**8479.89 – Electromechanical appliance (heavy-duty, non-household)**
- **Defining trait:** Has a self-contained motor; over 20 kg; not for home use.
- **Typical examples:** Large industrial humidifiers in factories.
- **Best fit when:** Heavy-duty, commercial/industrial, motor-driven.
**8509.80 – Household humidifier/dehumidifier (≤20 kg)**
- **Defining trait:** Electric, lightweight, for home use.
- **Typical examples:** Plug-in room units under 20 kg.
- **Best fit when:** Home use, standard size, electric power.
**8516.10 – Electrode boiler-based humidifier/dehumidifier**
- **Defining trait:** Uses electrode heating to produce steam (e.g., warm mist).
- **Typical examples:** Warm mist humidifiers with boiling water.
- **Best fit when:** Steam generation, quick humidity boost, electric.
**8543.70 – Ultrasonic humidifier**
- **Defining trait:** Uses high-frequency vibrations to create fine mist.
- **Typical examples:** Quiet home humidifiers with no heat.
- **Best fit when:** Silent operation, fine mist, low energy use.
## Key differences
| HS Code | Power Source | Mechanism | Size/Use Case | Cooling? |
|--------|--------------|-----------|----------------|----------|
| 3824.99 | None (chemical) | Absorption | Single-use | No |
| 3926.90 | None | Evaporation | Hotel, small | No |
| 8415.82 | Electric | Refrigeration | Home/office | Yes |
| 8415.83 | Electric | Refrigeration | Industrial | No |
| 8419.39 | Varies | Desiccant/chemical | Industrial | No |
| 8419.89 | Heat (non-electric) | Heating | Non-electric systems | No |
| 8479.89 | Electric (motor) | Electromechanical | Heavy-duty, industrial | No |
| 8509.80 | Electric | Varies | Household, ≤20 kg | No |
| 8516.10 | Electric | Electrode heating | Steam-based | No |
| 8543.70 | Electric | Ultrasonic vibration | Home/small | No |
## How to choose
- Is it powered by electricity? → Yes: 8415.82, 8415.83, 8479.89, 8509.80, 8516.10, 8543.70
- Does it use refrigeration to condense moisture? → Yes: 8415.82 / 8415.83
- Is it for industrial or commercial use? → Yes: 8419.39, 8479.89
- Is it non-electric and passive? → Yes: 3926.90, 8419.89
- Does it produce steam via heating? → Yes: 8516.10
- Is it ultrasonic (no heat, fine mist)? → Yes: 8543.70
- Is it a single-use chemical dehumidifier? → Yes: 3824.99
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlaps:** Some devices may be both refrigeration-type and electric (e.g., 8415.82/8415.83).
- **Pitfalls:** "Non-electric" can include heat-based systems (8419.89) vs. passive ones (3926.90).
- **Priority:** Choose based on the product’s MAIN function and primary mechanism. If unclear, prioritize power source and intended use