Spirit Duplicator (Ditto Machine)

A spirit duplicator, or Ditto machine, uses alcohol-based fluid ('spirit') to dissolve dye from a master sheet onto copies via a drum. It matches HTS 8472.10.00.00 as a hectograph-style duplicating machine for office mimeography. Known for its distinctive purple copies, it's vintage but still used in niche applications.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ChinaFree+35.0%35%
πŸ‡²πŸ‡½MexicoFree+10.0%10%
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺGermanyFree+10.0%10%
πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

8472.90.90Same rate: 35%

If electric and multifunctional for general office tasks

Electrically operated machines with broader office functions are in the residual office machines category.

3814.00.50Higher: 41% vs 35%

If imported primarily as organic composite solvents for duplication

Duplicating fluids themselves are chemical products under Chapter 38, not machinery.

8443.39Lower: 10% vs 35%

If adapted for continuous high-volume form printing

Machines for printing on continuous paper fall under other printing machinery headings.

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Import Tips & Compliance

β€’ Document the fluid-based transfer process to confirm duplication function over simple copying

β€’ Include MSDS for alcohol fluids to meet hazardous materials import requirements

β€’ Avoid bundling with modern printers to prevent aggregation under different headings