Spirit Duplicator (Ditto Machine) from Japan
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.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Document the fluid-based transfer process to confirm duplication function over simple copying
• Include MSDS for alcohol fluids to meet hazardous materials import requirements
• Avoid bundling with modern printers to prevent aggregation under different headings