3816.00.20.10 - Clay

This HTS category, 3816.00.20.10, specifically covers "Clay" when it is used or presented as a component in refractory cements, mortars, concretes, and similar compositions. These materials are designed to withstand high temperatures and are essential in industries such as steelmaking, glass manufacturing, and ceramics. The inclusion of "clay" here refers to its processed or prepared form intended for these specific high-temperature applications, rather than raw, unworked clay.

This classification distinguishes itself from its sibling category, 3816.00.20.50 ("Other"), by the specific nature of the refractory material. While the sibling category encompasses a broader range of refractory compositions not specifically identified as clay-based, this node isolates those where clay is a primary constituent contributing to the refractory properties of the mixture. The crucial factor for classification here is the intended use and composition of the clay, which must align with the characteristics of refractory products.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS database, there are no further subcategories to detail. The classification for "Clay" under 3816.00.20.10 is therefore definitive for processed clays intended for refractory applications. When classifying, importers should verify that the clay product is indeed intended for, and possesses the properties required for, use in high-temperature cements, mortars, concretes, or similar refractory compositions, as opposed to other uses of clay.