7501 - Nickel mattes, nickel oxide sinters and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy:

HTS code 7501 encompasses intermediate products derived from the metallurgical processing of nickel. This specifically includes nickel mattes, which are crude, partially refined masses produced during the smelting of nickel ores, and nickel oxide sinters. Sinters are consolidated masses of fine particles produced by heating without melting. The scope of 7501 is limited to these pre-refined or semi-finished forms, serving as foundational materials for further nickel production rather than refined nickel metal or finished articles.

Distinguishing 7501 from its sibling categories within the HTS system is crucial. While other headings within Section XV cover a vast array of base metals and their articles, HTS 7501 is specifically focused on the initial stages of nickel metallurgy. It does not include the refined nickel metal classified under other headings, nor does it encompass articles manufactured from nickel, such as wires, plates, or finished goods. The key differentiator lies in the state of processing and the intended purpose – 7501 products are intermediates for subsequent refinement.

The subcategories within 7501 provide a further breakdown based on the specific form of the intermediate nickel product. 7501.10.00.00 specifically details nickel mattes, highlighting their distinct metallurgical origin as a primary smelting product. The remaining intermediate products, including nickel oxide sinters and other similarly processed materials that are not yet pure nickel metal but have undergone initial metallurgical transformation, are captured under 7501.20.00.00. This subdivision allows for more precise classification based on the physical and chemical characteristics of these intermediate nickel compounds.