2846.90.80.70 - Containing lanthanum as the predominant metal

This HTS classification, 2846.90.80.70, specifically covers inorganic or organic compounds of rare-earth metals, yttrium, or scandium, which contain lanthanum as the predominant metal. These compounds fall under Chapter 28, which deals with inorganic chemicals and compounds of precious metals, rare-earth metals, radioactive elements, or isotopes. The "predominant metal" criterion is crucial, indicating that lanthanum is the most abundant rare-earth metal by weight or atomic proportion within the compound. Examples might include specific lanthanum oxides, chlorides, or carbonates where lanthanum is the primary constituent.

The distinction between this category and its sibling, 2846.90.80.75 ("Other"), lies in the specific composition. While 2846.90.80.75 would encompass other mixtures of rare-earth carbonates not primarily composed of cerium carbonate, this category is dedicated to those where lanthanum is the dominant rare-earth metal. Therefore, an importer would need to analyze the specific elemental composition to correctly place the goods.

As this node is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification decisions at this level rely on accurately identifying the rare-earth metals present and ensuring that lanthanum constitutes the predominant metal in the compound being classified. The preceding levels of classification have already narrowed the scope to mixtures of rare-earth carbonates, making the "predominant metal" requirement the final determining factor for this specific code.