2828 - Hypochlorites; commercial calcium hypochlorite; chlorites; hypobromites:

HTS Code 2828 encompasses a range of inorganic chemical compounds, specifically hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites. This category primarily includes commercial calcium hypochlorite, a widely used disinfectant and bleaching agent, along with other related hypochlorite salts. The defining characteristic of these substances is the presence of the hypochlorite (ClO⁻) or chlorite (ClO₂⁻) ion, or the hypobromite (BrO⁻) ion.

In the broader context of Chapter 28, which deals with inorganic chemicals, HTS 2828 is distinct from sibling categories that cover other classes of inorganic compounds, such as metals, non-metals, oxides, and salts of various acids. For instance, while this category deals with specific halogen-oxygen compounds, other chapters and headings would cover elemental halogens, halide salts, or oxygen compounds of other elements. The key differentiator is the specific chemical structure and the properties conferred by the hypochlorite, chlorite, and hypobromite functional groups.

Within HTS 2828, further subdivisions are made to distinguish between commercial calcium hypochlorite and other related compounds. HTS 2828.10.00.00 specifically addresses commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites, reflecting the significant commercial importance of this particular compound. The residual classification, HTS 2828.90.00.00, serves to capture other hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites not specifically enumerated under the calcium hypochlorite heading, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this chemical family.