7018.20.00.00 - Glass microspheres not exceeding 1 mm in diameter

This HTS classification covers exclusively glass microspheres with a diameter not exceeding 1 millimeter. These tiny glass spheres are characterized by their small size and uniform composition. Applications for these microspheres can include reflective elements in paints and coatings, as fillers in polymers and plastics, or as components in specialized abrasive or cosmetic products. The key defining characteristic for classification under this code is the precise measurement of their diameter, strictly limited to 1 mm or less.

Within Heading 7018, this specific subcategory, 7018.20, is distinct from its sibling, 7018.10, which encompasses a broader range of glass smallwares such as beads, imitation pearls, and imitation gemstones. While both fall under "glass smallwares," 7018.10 is inclusive of items with a more decorative or imitative purpose, whereas 7018.20 is narrowly defined by the physical characteristic of being microspheres of a specific size. The remaining sibling category, 7018.90, covers "Other" articles within the heading that do not fit the descriptions of 7018.10 or 7018.20.

As a leaf node, HTS code 7018.20.00.00 represents the most specific classification for these glass microspheres. Therefore, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification relies on confirming the material (glass), the form (microspheres), and the crucial dimensional criterion of not exceeding 1 mm in diameter. Any deviation from these specifications, such as a larger diameter or a different material composition, would necessitate classification under a different HTS code.