2815.20.00 - Potassium hydroxide (Caustic potash)

This HTS category encompasses potassium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic potash. It is an inorganic chemical compound characterized by its strong alkaline properties. Potassium hydroxide is widely used in various industrial applications, including the manufacture of fertilizers, soaps, detergents, and batteries, as well as in food processing and chemical synthesis.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, "Sodium hydroxide (Caustic soda)," is crucial. While both are strong alkali hydroxides, this subheading specifically covers the potassium-based compound, whereas the sibling is for the sodium-based equivalent. The other sibling, "Peroxides of sodium or potassium," covers compounds where oxygen is bonded to alkali metals in a peroxide form, which is chemically distinct from the simple hydroxide structure addressed here.

Within this subheading, further distinctions are made based on the physical form of the potassium hydroxide. The subcategory "2815.20.00.50: In solid form" applies to crystalline or pelletized forms, while "2815.20.00.90: Other" covers liquid solutions or other presentations not specifically classified as solid. This differentiation is important for customs reporting and duty assessment, reflecting variations in product handling and intended use.