Sección: XV BASE METALS AND ARTICLES OF BASE METAL
Capítulo: 76 Aluminium and articles thereof
Chapter 76

Aluminium and articles thereof

Note.

1.- In this Chapter the following expressions have the meanings hereby assigned to them :
(a) Bars and rods

Rolled, extruded, drawn or forged products, not in coils, which have a uniform solid cross-section along their whole length in the shape of circles, ovals, rectangles (including squares), equilateral triangles or regular convex polygons (including “flattened circles” and “modified rectangles”, of which two opposite sides are convex arcs, the other two sides being straight, of equal length and parallel). Products with a rectangular (including square), triangular or polygonal cross-section may have corners rounded along their whole length. The thickness of such products which have a rectangular (including “modified rectangular”) cross-section exceeds one-tenth of the width. The expression also covers cast or sintered products, of the same forms and dimensions, which have been subsequently worked after production (otherwise than by simple trimming or de-scaling), provided that they have not thereby assumed the character of articles or products of other headings.

(b) Profiles

Rolled, extruded, drawn, forged or formed products, coiled or not, of a uniform cross-section along their whole length, which do not conform to any of the definitions of bars, rods, wire, plates, sheets, strip, foil, tubes or pipes. The expression also covers cast or sintered products, of the same forms, which have been subsequently worked after production (otherwise than by simple trimming or de-scaling), provided that they have not thereby assumed the character of articles or products of other headings.

(c) Wire

Rolled, extruded or drawn products, in coils, which have a uniform solid cross-section along their whole length in the shape of circles, ovals, rectangles (including squares), equilateral triangles or regular convex polygons (including “flattened circles” and “modified rectangles”, of which two opposite sides are convex arcs, the other two sides being straight, of equal length and parallel). Products with a rectangular (including square), triangular or polygonal cross-section may have corners rounded along their whole length. The thickness of such products which have a rectangular (including “modified rectangular”) cross-section exceeds one-tenth of the width.

(d) Plates, sheets, strip and foil

Flat-surfaced products (other than the unwrought products of heading 76.01), coiled or not, of solid rectangular (other than square) cross-section with or without rounded corners (including “modified rectangles” of which two opposite sides are convex arcs, the other two sides being straight, of equal length and parallel) of a uniform thickness, which are: - of rectangular (including square) shape with a thickness not exceeding one-tenth of the width, Headings 76.06 and 76.07 apply, inter alia, to plates, sheets, strip and foil with patterns (for example, grooves, ribs, chequers, tears, buttons, lozenges) and to such products which have been perforated, corrugated, polished or coated, provided that they do not thereby assume the character of articles or products of other headings. (e) Tubes and pipes Hollow products, coiled or not, which have a uniform cross-section with only one enclosed void along their whole length in the shape of circles, ovals, rectangles (including squares), equilateral triangles or regular convex polygons, and which have a uniform wall thickness. Products with a rectangular (including square), equilateral triangular or regular convex polygonal cross-section, which may have corners rounded along their whole length, are also to be considered as tubes and pipes provided the inner and outer cross-sections are concentric and have the same form and orientation. Tubes and pipes of the foregoing cross-sections may be polished, coated, bent, threaded, drilled, waisted, expanded, cone-shaped or fitted with flanges, collars or rings.
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Subheading Notes.

1.- In this Chapter the following expressions have the meanings hereby assigned to them:

(a) Aluminium, not alloyed

Metal containing by weight at least 99 % of aluminium, provided that the content by weight of any other element does not exceed the limit specified in the following table :
TABLE - Other elements

Element
Limiting content % by weight

Fe + Si (iron plus silicon)

Other elements(1), each
1
0.1(2)

(1) Other elements are, for example Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn.
    (2) Copper is permitted in a proportion greater than 0.1 % but not more than 0.2 %, provided that neither the chromium nor manganese content exceeds 0.05 %.

(b) Aluminium alloys

Metallic substances in which aluminium predominates by weight over each of the other elements, provided that: (i) the content by weight of at least one of the other elements or of iron plus silicon taken together is greater than the limit specified in the foregoing table; or (ii) the total content by weight of such other elements exceeds 1 %. 2.- Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter Note 1 (c), for the purposes of subheading 7616.91 the term “wire” applies only to products, whether or not in coils, of any cross-sectional shape, of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 6 mm.

GENERAL
This Chapter covers aluminium and its alloys, and certain articles thereof.

Aluminium is obtained principally from bauxite, a crude hydrated alumina (see the Explanatory Note to heading 26.06). The first stage of the extraction is designed to convert the bauxite into pure aluminium oxide (alumina). For this purpose the ground ore is calcined and then treated with sodium hydroxide to produce a solution of sodium aluminate; this is then filtered to eliminate insoluble impurities (iron oxide, silica, etc.). The aluminium is then precipitated as aluminium hydroxide, which is calcined to give pure aluminium oxide in the form of a white powder. However, aluminium hydroxide and aluminium oxide are classified in Chapter 28.

In the second stage, the metal is extracted by electrolytic reduction of the alumina dissolved in fused cryolite (the latter is sodium aluminium fluoride, but it acts solely as a solvent). This electrolysis is carried out in carbon lined baths which act as the cathode; carbon bars are used as anodes. The aluminium is deposited in the bottom of the baths from where it is syphoned. It is then cast in the form of blocks, ingots, billets, slabs, wire bars, etc., usually after refining. By repeated electrolysis, aluminium can be obtained almost completely pure.

Aluminium may also be obtained by the treatment of certain other ores such as leucite (double silicate of aluminium and potassium), by re-melting aluminium waste and scrap or by processing residues (slag, dross, etc.).
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Aluminium is a bluish-white metal characterised by its lightness. It is very ductile and easily rolled, drawn, forged, stamped, and may be cast, etc. Like other soft metals, aluminium is also very suitable for extrusion and die-casting. In modern practice it can be soldered. Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and is a very good reflector. Since the oxide film which forms naturally on its surface protects the metal, it is often produced artificially in greater depth by anodising or chemical treatment; the surface is also sometimes coloured during these processes.
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The hardness, toughness, etc., of aluminium can be very substantially increased by alloying with other elements such as copper, magnesium, silicon, zinc or manganese. Certain of the alloys may be improved by age-hardening treatments. These processes may be followed by tempering.

The principal aluminium alloys which may be classified in this Chapter under the provisions of Note 5 to Section XV (see the General Explanatory Note to that Section) are:

(1) Aluminium-copper alloys. These are aluminium based alloys with a low copper content.

(2) Aluminium-zinc-copper alloys.

(3) Aluminium-silicon alloys (e.g., “alpa ”, “silumin”).

(4) Aluminium-manganese-magnesium alloys.

(5) Aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloys (e.g., “almelec”, “aldrey”).

(6) Aluminium-copper-magnesium-manganese alloys (e.g., “duralumin”).

(7) Aluminium-magnesium alloys (e.g., “magnalium”).

(8) Aluminium-manganese alloys.

(9) Aluminium-zinc-magnesium alloys.

Most of these alloys may also contain small quantities of iron, nickel, chromium, etc.; they are often marketed under trade names which vary according to the country of origin.
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The special properties of aluminium and its alloys favour their wide use: in the aircraft, automobile or shipbuilding industries; in the building industry; in the construction of railway or tramway rolling-stock; in the electrical industry (e.g., as cables); for all types of containers (reservoirs and vats of all sizes, transport casks, drums, etc.); for household or kitchen utensils; for the manufacture of foil; etc.
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The Chapter covers:

(A) Unwrought aluminium, and waste and scrap (headings 76.01 and 76.02).

(B) Aluminium powders and flakes (heading 76.03).

(C) Products generally obtained by rolling, extruding, drawing or forging the unwrought aluminium of heading 76.01 (headings 76.04 to 76.07).

(D) Various articles specified in headings 76.08 to 76.15, and other articles of the residual heading 76.16 which covers all other aluminium articles other than those included in Chapter 82 or 83, or more specifically covered elsewhere in the Nomenclature.

Products obtained by sintering aluminium and alumina are considered as cermets and are excluded from this Chapter (heading 81.13).
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Products and articles of aluminium are frequently subjected to various treatments to improve the properties or appearance of the metal, to protect it from corrosion, etc. These treatments are generally those referred to at the end of the General Explanatory Note to Chapter 72, and do not affect the classification of the goods.
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The classification of composite goods, particularly made up articles, is explained in the General Explanatory Note to Section XV.

76.01 Unwrought aluminium.
This heading covers unwrought aluminium in the liquid state, in blocks, ingots, billets, slabs, notched bars, wire bars, or similar forms obtained by casting electrolytic aluminium or by remelting metal waste or scrap. These goods are generally intended for rolling, forging, drawing, extruding, hammering or for remelting and for casting into shaped articles.

The heading includes aluminium pellets, mainly used in metallurgy (as de-oxidising agents, especially in the manufacture of iron or steel).

The heading also covers certain cast or sintered bars, etc. (see the Explanatory Note to heading 74.03 which applies, mutatis mutandis, to this heading).

The heading excludes aluminium powders and flakes (heading 76.03).

76.02 Aluminium waste and scrap.

The provisions concerning waste and scrap in the Explanatory Note to heading 72.04 apply, mutatis mutandis, to this heading.

Aluminium waste and scrap is an important source of raw material for the aluminium industry. It is also used as a de-oxidising or de-carburising agent in metallurgy.

The heading does not cover:

(a) Slag, dross, etc., from the manufacture of iron or steel containing recoverable aluminium in the form of silicates (heading 26.18 or 26.19).

(b) Slag, ash and residues from the manufacture of aluminium (heading 26.20).

(c) Ingots and similar unwrought forms, cast from remelted aluminium waste and scrap (heading 76.01).

76.03 Aluminium powders and flakes.
This heading covers aluminium powders as defined in Note 8 (b) to Section XV and aluminium flakes. In general these products correspond to those of copper and the Explanatory Note to heading 74.06 therefore applies, mutatis mutandis, to this heading. Aluminium powders and flakes are, however, also used in pyrotechnics, as heat generators (e.g., in the thermit process), to protect other metals from corrosion (e.g., calorising, metallic cementation), in rocket propellants and in the preparation of special cements.

The heading does not cover:

(a) Powders or flakes, prepared as colours, paints or the like (e.g., made up with other colouring matter or put up as suspensions, dispersions or pastes with a binder or solvent) (Chapter 32).

(b) Aluminium pellets (heading 76.01).

(c) Spangles cut from aluminium foil (heading 83.08).

76.04 Aluminium bars, rods and profiles.
These products, which are defined in Notes 1 (a) and 1 (b) to the Chapter, correspond to similar goods made of copper. The provisions of the Explanatory Note to heading 74.07 apply therefore, mutatis mutandis, to this heading.

The heading does not cover:

(a) Rods and profiles, prepared for use in structures (heading 76.10).

(b) Coated welding electrodes, etc. (heading 83.11).

76.05 Aluminium wire.
Wire is defined in Chapter Note 1 (c).

The heading does not cover:

(a) Metallised yarn (heading 56.05).

(b) Twine and cordage reinforced with aluminium wire (heading 56.07).

(c) Stranded wire, cables and other goods of heading 76.14.

(d) Coated welding electrodes (heading 83.11).

(e) Insulated electric wire and cable (including enamelled or anodised wire) (heading 85.44).

(f) Musical instrument strings (heading 92.09).

76.06 Aluminium plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm.
These products, which are defined in Note 1 (d) to the Chapter, correspond to similar goods made of copper. The provisions of the Explanatory Note to heading 74.09 apply therefore, mutatis mutandis, to this heading.

The heading does not cover:

(a) Foil of a thickness not exceeding 0.2 mm (heading 76.07).

(b) Expanded metal (heading 76.16).

76.07 Aluminium foil (whether or not printed or backed with paper, paperboard,
plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2 mm.
This heading covers the products defined in Chapter Note 1 (d), when of a thickness not exceeding 0.2 mm.

The provisions of the Explanatory Note to heading 74.10 relating to copper foil apply, mutatis mutandis, to this heading.

Aluminium foil is used in the manufacture of bottle caps and capsules, for packing foodstuffs, cigars, cigarettes, tobacco, etc. Aluminium foil is also used for the manufacture of the finely divided powder of heading 76.03, in crinkled sheets for thermal insulation, for artificial silvering, and as a wound dressing in veterinary surgery.

The heading does not cover:

(a) Stamping foils (also known as blocking foils) composed of aluminium powder agglomerated with gelatin, glue or other binder, or of aluminium deposited on paper, plastics or other support, and used for printing book covers, hat bands, etc. (heading 32.12).

(b) Paper and paperboard for the manufacture of containers for milk, fruit juice or other food products and lined with aluminium foil (i.e., on the face which will form the inside of the containers) provided they retain the essential character of paper or paperboard (heading 48.11).

(c) Printed aluminium foil labels being identifiable individual articles by virtue of the printing (heading 49.11).

(d) Plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm (heading 76.06).

(e) Foil in the form of Christmas tree decorations (heading 95.05).
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Subheading Explanatory Note.

Subheading 7607.11

In addition to cold-rolling or hot-rolling, the products of this subheading may have been subjected to the following working or surface treatments:

(1) Heat treatments, such as stress-relieving or annealing. These treatments also eliminate residual rolling mill lubricants.

(2) Trimming, slitting or cutting into rectangular (including square) shape, e.g., separating wide strip into narrower strip.

(3) Separation (unwinding) of thin multiple-layer laminated sheets. This operation is necessary when two or more coils of foil are rolled simultaneously during the last rolling mill pass.

(4) Chemical cleaning or washing. This is normally carried out to eliminate residual oil when there is no heat treatment.

76.08 Aluminium tubes and pipes.
Chapter Note 1 (e) defines tubes and pipes.

The tubes and pipes of this heading may be manufactured by the following processes:

(a) by extruding a hollow cast or pierced round ingot;

(b) by longitudinally or spirally seam welding a die or roll-formed flat-rolled semi-product (strip or sheet);

(c) by impact extrusion;

(d) by casting.

Extruded or welded tubes may be subjected to a cold-drawing operation to obtain tubes with thinner walls, more accurate dimensions and a better finish.

The tubes and pipes of this heading are used for many purposes, e.g., as pipelines for oil or water, as conduits for electrical wiring, in the manufacture of furniture, heat exchangers, structures.

The heading includes tubes and pipes whether or not they are threaded at the ends, fitted with sockets, flanges, collars, rings, etc.

The heading does not cover:

(a) Hollow profiles (heading 76.04).

(b) Tube or pipe fittings (heading 76.09).

(c) Flexible tubing (heading 83.07).

(d) Tubes and pipes made up into specific identifiable articles, such as those prepared for use in structures (heading 76.10), machinery or vehicle parts (Sections XVI and XVII), etc.

76.09 Aluminium tube or pipe fittings (for example, couplings, elbows, sleeves).

The provisions of the Explanatory Notes to headings 73.07 and 74.12 apply, mutatis mutandis, to this heading.

The heading does not cover:

(a) Clamps and other devices specially designed for assembling parts of structures (heading 76.10).

(b) Hangers and brackets to support tubing; aluminium bolts and nuts used for assembling or fixing pipes or tubes (heading 76.16).

(c) Fittings with taps, cocks, valves, etc. (heading 84.81).


76.10 - Aluminium structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading 94.06) and parts of structures (for example, bridges and bridge-sections, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, balustrades, pillars and columns); aluminium plates, rods, profiles, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures.
The provisions of the Explanatory Note to heading 73.08 apply, mutatis mutandis, to this heading.

In the case of aluminium, structural parts are sometimes bonded together with synthetic resins or rubber compounds instead of being fixed by the ordinary methods of riveting, bolting, etc.

In view of their lightness, aluminium and its alloys are sometimes used instead of iron or steel in the manufacture of structural frameworks, ships’ superstructures, bridges, sliding doors, electric grid or radio pylons, telescopic pit props, door or window frames, railings, etc.

The heading excludes:

(a) Assemblies identifiable as parts of articles of Chapters 84 to 88.

(b) Floating structures of Chapter 89.

(c) Prefabricated buildings (heading 94.06).


76.11 Aluminium reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), of a capacity exceeding 300 l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, but not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment.

The Explanatory Note to heading 73.09 applies, mutatis mutandis, to this heading.

Because of its lightness and resistance to corrosion, aluminium tends to replace iron and steel in the manufacture of reservoirs, tanks, etc., particularly in the chemical industries, breweries, dairies, cheese factories.

However, the heading excludes containers specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport (heading 86.09).

76.12 Aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers (including rigid or collapsible tubular containers), for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), of a capacity not exceeding 300 l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, but not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment.
The provisions of the Explanatory Note to heading 73.10 also apply, mutatis mutandis, to this heading.

Casks and drums of aluminium are mainly used for the transport of milk, beer, wine, etc.; aluminium cans and boxes are often used for packing foodstuffs. The heading also includes rigid tubular containers (e.g., for pharmaceutical products such as pills or tablets), and collapsible tubular containers for creams, toothpastes, etc.
This heading does not cover:

(a) Articles of heading 42.02.

(b) Biscuit barrels, tea caddies, sugar tins and similar household or kitchen containers and canisters (heading 76.15).

(c) Cigarette cases, powder boxes, tool boxes and similar containers for personal or professional use (heading 76.16).

(d) Articles of heading 83.04.

(e) Ornamental boxes (heading 83.06).

(f) Containers specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport (heading 86.09).

(g) Vacuum flasks and other vacuum vessels complete with cases, of heading 96.17.

76.13 Aluminium containers for compressed or liquefied gas.

See the Explanatory Note to heading 73.11.

76.14 Stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like, of aluminium, not electrically insulated.
The Explanatory Note relating to heading 73.12 applies, mutatis mutandis, to this heading.

Since they are light and good conductors of electricity, aluminium and the aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloys such as “almelec” and “aldrey” are often used in place of copper in the construction of electric wires and cables.

Aluminium cables may have a core of steel or other metal provided the aluminium predominates by weight (see Note 7 to Section XV).

However, the heading excludes insulated electric wire and cable (heading 85.44).


76.15 Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of aluminium; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of aluminium; sanitary ware and parts thereof, of aluminium.
This heading covers the same types of articles as are described in the Explanatory Notes to headings 73.23 and 73.24, particularly the kitchen utensils, sanitary and toilet articles described therein. The heading also covers aluminium cooking or heating apparatus similar to that described in the Explanatory Note to heading 74.18.

However, the heading does not cover:

(a) Cans, boxes and similar containers, of heading 76.12.

(b) Household articles having the character of tools (Chapter 82) (see Explanatory Note to heading 73.23).

(c) Cutlery, spoons, ladles, forks and other articles of headings 82.11 to 82.15.

(d) Ornaments (heading 83.06).

(e) Instantaneous or storage water heaters and other appliances of heading 84.19.

(f) Household electrical equipment of Chapter 85 (in particular the appliances and apparatus of headings 85.09 and 85.16).

(g) Articles of Chapter 94.

(h) Cigarette lighters and other lighters (heading 96.13).

(ij) Vacuum flasks and other vacuum vessels of heading 96.17.

76.16 Other articles of aluminium.
This heading covers all articles of aluminium other than those covered by the preceding headings of this Chapter, or by Note 1 to Section XV, or articles specified or included in Chapter 82 or 83, or more specifically covered elsewhere in the Nomenclature.

This heading includes, in particular:

(1) Nails, tacks, staples, (other than those of heading 83.05), screws, bolts, nuts, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotterpins, washers and similar articles of the types described in the Explanatory Notes to headings 73.17 and 73.18.

(2) Knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos, safety pins, other pins and other articles of the types described in the Explanatory Note to heading 73.19.

(3) Chains and parts thereof of aluminium.

(4) Cloth, grill and netting of aluminium wire, and expanded metal (see the Explanatory Note to heading 73.14). Expanded metal is used in shop display, for loudspeaker grills, as an explosion suppressant used in the transport and storage of volatile liquids and gases, etc.

(5) Aluminium articles corresponding to the iron and steel articles referred to in the Explanatory Notes to headings 73.25 and 73.26.

The heading does not cover:

(a) Woven fabric of metal thread, of a kind used in articles of apparel, as furnishing fabrics or the like (heading 58.09).

(b) Wire cloth, etc., made into the form of machinery parts (e.g., by assembling with other materials) (Chapter 84 or 85).

(c) Wire cloth, etc., made up into hand sieves or riddles (heading 96.04).

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