6803.00 - Worked slate and articles of slate or of agglomerated slate:

This HTS category, 6803.00, encompasses slate that has undergone processing beyond its natural state, as well as articles manufactured from slate or agglomerated slate. This includes, but is not limited to, slate that has been cut, shaped, polished, or otherwise worked to create specific forms or functionalities. Agglomerated slate refers to materials formed by bonding fragments or particles of slate, often with a binder, to create a composite material.

While this chapter (Chapter 68) broadly deals with articles of stone and similar materials, category 6803.00 is specifically dedicated to worked slate and its manufactured products. It distinguishes itself from other categories within Section XIII by its exclusive focus on slate as the primary raw material, differentiating it from articles made from other minerals like plaster, cement, or asbestos. It also stands apart from chapters covering raw or unprocessed stone.

Within this category, further subdivisions exist to provide more granular classification. Subcategory 6803.00.10.00 specifically covers roofing slate, indicating a distinct application and potentially different processing requirements than other slate articles. The residual subcategory, 6803.00.50.00, captures all other worked slate and articles thereof that do not fall under the roofing slate designation, allowing for comprehensive coverage of the diverse range of products made from this material.