6813.20.00 - Containing asbestos

This HTS category, 6813.20.00, specifically covers friction material and articles thereof that are designed for use in braking or clutching mechanisms, and crucially, *contain asbestos*. This includes a wide range of unmounted components such as sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, and pads. The defining characteristic for inclusion here is the presence of asbestos as a primary component, differentiating it from other friction materials.

The key distinction for this category lies in its material composition. While the parent heading 6813 encompasses friction materials based on asbestos, other mineral substances, or cellulose, this specific subcategory is exclusively for those where asbestos is a constituent. Therefore, if a friction material is made *without* asbestos, even if it serves a similar braking or clutching function, it would fall under a different, sibling subcategory.

Within this asbestos-containing friction material classification, further subdivisions exist to provide more granular detail. These subcategories typically differentiate based on the specific application or form of the friction material. For instance, dedicated categories may exist for brake linings and pads, distinguishing them from more general "other" friction materials that might be used in clutches or other specialized applications. This allows for precise tariff application based on the intended end-use of the asbestos-based friction components.