2903.11.00.20 - Chloroethane (Ethyl chloride)

This HTS classification covers chloroethane, also known as ethyl chloride. Ethyl chloride is a halogenated hydrocarbon specifically derived from acyclic hydrocarbons. It is a colorless gas at room temperature, often used as a refrigerant, a propellant, and an intermediate in the synthesis of other organic chemicals, particularly tetraethyl lead, an antiknock agent for gasoline. Its application as a local anesthetic, though historically significant, is less common today due to safer alternatives.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 2903.11.00.10, is crucial. While both fall under saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, this node specifically addresses chloroethane (ethyl chloride), whereas the sibling node is dedicated solely to chloromethane (methyl chloride). The key difference lies in the specific hydrocarbon chain being chlorinated: ethane for chloroethane versus methane for chloromethane. This distinction impacts their chemical properties, physical states, and industrial applications.

As a leaf node within the HTS structure, 2903.11.00.20 does not have further subdivisions. This means that any import or export of chloroethane (ethyl chloride) will fall directly under this specific code, provided it meets the general criteria for saturated chlorinated acyclic hydrocarbons. Classification relies on confirming the chemical identity of the substance, ensuring it is a derivative of ethane and has undergone chlorination, and that it is saturated, meaning all carbon-to-carbon bonds are single bonds.