7310.10.00.15 - Empty steel drums and barrels

This HTS classification, 7310.10.00.15, specifically covers empty steel drums and barrels with a capacity of 50 liters or more. These containers are designed for holding various materials, excluding compressed or liquefied gases, and are made of iron or steel. While they may be lined or insulated, they are not equipped with mechanical or thermal apparatus.

This category is distinct from its sibling 7310.10.00.05, which is reserved for refillable stainless steel kegs, whether or not pressurized. The key differentiator lies in the material (stainless steel versus general steel for drums and barrels) and the specific functional characteristic of being refillable and potentially pressurized, often used in the beverage industry. Category 7310.10.00.90 encompasses all other containers falling under the 7310.10 heading that do not fit into the more specific descriptions.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification under 7310.10.00.15 hinges on the material (steel), the capacity (50 liters or more), and the absence of specialized equipment or specific features designated to other subheadings. Examples include standard empty steel barrels used for shipping chemicals, oils, or industrial waste, provided they meet the volume and material criteria.