2903.99.20.00 - Benzyl chloride (α-Chlorotoluene); and Benzotrichloride (α,α,α-Trichlorotoluene) 🖩

This HTS category, 2903.99.20.00, specifically classifies Benzyl chloride (also known as α-Chlorotoluene) and Benzotrichloride (also known as α,α,α-Trichlorotoluene). These are chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons where the chlorine atom(s) are attached to the methyl group(s) of toluene. Benzyl chloride contains one chlorine atom on the methyl group, while Benzotrichloride contains three chlorine atoms on the methyl group.

This classification is distinguished from its sibling categories by the precise location and number of chlorine atoms on the side chain of the toluene molecule. For instance, categories like 2903.99.05.00 and 2903.99.08.00 cover trifluorotoluene derivatives and other chlorinated aromatic compounds where chlorine may be present on the ring or in different side-chain configurations. Similarly, 2903.99.10.00 includes dichlorobenzenes and trichlorobenzenes where the chlorine atoms are directly attached to the aromatic ring, and 2903.99.15.00 covers the specific triphenylmethyl chloride.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories within 2903.99.20.00. Therefore, the classification focuses on accurately identifying these specific chlorinated toluene derivatives based on their chemical structure and name. The primary classification criteria revolve around the presence of chlorine atoms attached to the methyl group of toluene, distinguishing them from other halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons covered elsewhere in the tariff schedule.