2846.90.20.05 - Containing lanthanum as the predominant metal

This HTS category, 2846.90.20.05, specifically classifies mixtures of rare-earth oxides or rare-earth chlorides that contain lanthanum as the predominant metal. This means that in these mixtures, the weight percentage of lanthanum or its compounds exceeds that of any other individual rare-earth metal. These substances find applications in various industrial processes, including catalysis, phosphors, and specialized glass production.

It is crucial to differentiate this category from its sibling, 2846.90.20.15, which covers similar mixtures where yttrium or scandium is the predominant metal. The defining factor for classification here is the specific rare-earth metal that constitutes the majority component by weight within the mixture. The other sibling category, 2846.90.20.40, serves as a residual category for any other mixtures of rare-earth oxides or chlorides not otherwise specified.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subdivisions. Therefore, the classification under 2846.90.20.05 is final based on the presence of lanthanum as the predominant rare-earth metal in a mixture of rare-earth oxides or chlorides. Importers must rely on precise compositional analysis to accurately determine the predominant metal for correct classification.