7506 - Nickel plates, sheets, strip and foil:

This HTS category, 7506, encompasses flat-rolled products of nickel and nickel alloys, specifically plates, sheets, strip, and foil. These items are characterized by their thinness and form, intended for various industrial and manufacturing applications. The defining material is nickel, which can be in its pure form or as an alloy with other metals, influencing the physical properties of the finished product.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings requires understanding the broader scope of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Section XV broadly covers base metals and their articles. While other categories within this section might deal with raw nickel forms (like ingots or powder) or fabricated articles made *from* nickel, Chapter 75 specifically addresses nickel and its articles. Within Chapter 75, 7506 is distinct because it focuses solely on flat, rolled forms, differentiating it from other nickel articles such as tubes, pipes, wire, or unwrought nickel.

The subcategories within 7506 serve to differentiate based on the material composition of these flat-rolled products. The primary distinction is between products made of unalloyed nickel (7506.10) and those made of nickel alloys (7506.20). This division is crucial for customs purposes as different alloys may have varying compositions, properties, and economic considerations that influence tariff treatment and import/export regulations.