7002.20 - Rods:

This HTS category, 7002.20, specifically covers glass rods that have not undergone further working. These rods are manufactured from various types of glass and are typically characterized by their elongated, cylindrical shape with a uniform cross-section. They serve as a raw material or intermediate product for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including in the manufacturing of laboratory equipment, optical components, and decorative items.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. While 7002.10 covers glass in ball form and another sibling category addresses glass tubes, 7002.20 is exclusively dedicated to the rod form. This distinction is based on the fundamental physical geometry of the glass articles, with rods being solid and elongated, whereas balls are spherical and tubes are hollow.

Within this category, further subdivisions exist to account for material variations. The subcategory 7002.20.10.00 pertains specifically to rods made of fused quartz or other fused silica, which possess unique thermal and optical properties. All other types of glass rods fall under the subcategory 7002.20.50.00. This differentiation allows for more precise tracking and tariff application based on the glass composition and its inherent characteristics.