2824.90.20.00 - Red lead and orange lead

This HTS category, 2824.90.20.00, specifically covers "Red lead and orange lead." These are forms of lead oxide characterized by their distinct reddish-orange color. Red lead, also known as plumbous-plumbic oxide (Pb3O4), is typically a bright red powder, while orange lead is a closely related variant. These compounds are primarily used in applications such as paints, primers, glass manufacturing, and as components in certain types of batteries due to their pigmentary properties and chemical reactivity.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its sibling, 2824.90.10.00, which classifies "Lead suboxide (leady litharge)." Lead suboxide, often a grayish powder, has a different chemical composition and serves distinct purposes, notably in battery manufacturing where it functions as an active material. The differentiation between red/orange lead and lead suboxide hinges on their chemical structure, purity, and resulting physical properties and end-use applications.

As a leaf node, 2824.90.20.00 has no further subdivisions. Classification within this heading is determined by the specific identification of the material as red lead or orange lead, based on its chemical composition (Pb3O4) and characteristic color, distinguishing it from other lead oxides and suboxides.