2836.91.00 - Lithium carbonates

This HTS category, 2836.91.00, specifically covers lithium carbonates. Lithium carbonates are inorganic chemical compounds, typically appearing as a white powder, and are characterized by their high purity and specific chemical composition containing lithium, carbon, and oxygen. They are distinct from other carbonates within heading 2836 due to the presence of lithium as the primary cation.

Within the broader "Other carbonates" at this level, 2836.91.00 is differentiated from its sibling, 2836.92.00.00, which covers strontium carbonate. The key distinction lies in the metal element forming the carbonate compound; this sub-heading exclusively concerns lithium-based carbonates, whereas 2836.92.00.00 deals with strontium-based carbonates.

The subcategories within 2836.91.00 serve to further refine the classification based on the intended use and purity of the lithium carbonate. The "U.S.P. grade" designation (2836.91.00.10) applies to lithium carbonate meeting specific pharmaceutical standards, implying a higher degree of purity and suitability for medicinal applications. The "Other" subcategory (2836.91.00.50) encompasses all lithium carbonates that do not qualify for the U.S.P. grade, including industrial and technical grades used in various manufacturing processes such as ceramics, glass production, and battery manufacturing.