2806.10.00.00 - Hydrogen chloride (Hydrochloric acid)

This HTS classification covers hydrogen chloride, more commonly known as hydrochloric acid. It refers to the chemical compound with the formula HCl. This category specifically pertains to hydrochloric acid in its various forms and concentrations, whether it is gaseous hydrogen chloride or an aqueous solution. Its primary industrial and commercial applications include metal pickling, pH control, food processing, and the production of various chemical compounds.

Within Chapter 28, which deals with inorganic chemicals, this heading distinguishes hydrochloric acid from its sibling, chlorosulfuric acid (HTS 2806.20.00.00). While both are chlorine-containing inorganic acids, chlorosulfuric acid (ClSO3H) is a distinct chemical compound with different properties and uses, primarily as a sulfonating agent. The key differentiator here lies in the chemical composition and reactivity: hydrogen chloride is a binary compound of hydrogen and chlorine, whereas chlorosulfuric acid is a more complex compound involving sulfur, oxygen, and chlorine.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS database, there are no further subcategories for hydrogen chloride. Classification at this level is determined by the nature of the substance itself, being hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid. Importers and exporters should ensure that the commodity being declared accurately matches the chemical identity of hydrogen chloride to avoid misclassification.