Glass envelopes (including bulbs and tubes); open, and glass parts thereof, without fittings, other than for electric lighting and cathode-ray tubes

HS code 701190 covers a wide range of glass products, including envelopes, bulbs, and tubes that are used in various industries. These glass components play a crucial role in the manufacturing of various products, from lighting fixtures to electronic devices. The global demand for these glass products is driven by the growing need for efficient and innovative lighting solutions, as well as the increasing adoption of electronic devices across various sectors, such as consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial applications.

The production of glass envelopes, bulbs, and tubes involves several key steps. First, the raw materials, such as silica sand, soda ash, and limestone, are carefully measured and mixed to create the desired glass composition. The mixture is then melted in a furnace at high temperatures, typically around 1,500°C. The molten glass is then formed into the desired shape using various techniques, such as blowing, pressing, or drawing. Finally, the glass products undergo annealing, a process of controlled cooling, to ensure their structural integrity and durability.

The main inputs required for the production of HS code 701190 glass products include raw materials like silica sand, soda ash, and limestone, as well as specialized machinery and equipment for the melting, forming, and annealing processes. Additionally, skilled labor and energy sources, such as natural gas or electricity, are essential for the efficient and high-quality production of these glass components.

The glass envelopes, bulbs, and tubes produced under HS code 701190 are used as components in a wide range of industries. These glass products are often consumed by manufacturers of 853931 Electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultraviolet or infra-red lamps; arc-lamps, 851220 Lighting or visual signalling equipment of a kind used for bicycles, and 851310 (Portable electric lamps designed to function by their own source of energy (for example, dry batteries, accumulators, magnetos), other than lighting equipment of heading 8512), among others. The versatility and wide-ranging applications of these glass components make them an essential part of the global manufacturing landscape.