2931.20.00.00 - Tributyltin compounds

This HTS category, 2931.20.00.00, specifically covers tributyltin compounds. These are organometallic compounds characterized by the presence of three butyl groups covalently bonded to a tin atom. Tributyltin compounds are often employed in various industrial applications, including as biocides in antifouling paints for marine vessels, wood preservatives, and in some instances, as stabilizers in plastics. Their classification here is based on the organic nature of the butyl substituents and their direct linkage to the inorganic tin atom.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. Unlike 2931.10.00.00, which enumerates tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead, tributyltin compounds do not involve lead as the central metal atom. Furthermore, this category is distinct from the broad classifications of organo-phosphorous derivatives, whether halogenated or non-halogenated, as the central atom in 2931.20.00.00 is tin, not phosphorus. The "Other" category (2931.90) serves as a residual for organo-inorganic compounds not specifically provided for elsewhere within heading 2931.

As a leaf node, 2931.20.00.00 has no further subcategories. Therefore, classification into this specific code relies on confirming that the imported or exported chemical is indeed a tributyltin compound. This may involve examining product specifications, chemical analyses, or safety data sheets to verify the presence and structure of tributyltin moieties. The purity and specific form of the compound (e.g., oxide, chloride) generally do not alter its classification under this heading, provided the core tributyltin structure is present.