7603 - Aluminum powders and flakes:

Heading 7603 encompasses aluminum powders and flakes. This classification includes finely divided aluminum in granular or powder form, as well as thin, flat particles of aluminum known as flakes. These forms are typically produced through mechanical processes such as grinding, atomization, or milling. The primary distinguishing factor for goods falling under this heading is their physical state as powders or flakes of aluminum, regardless of their specific end-use or further processing.

When classifying goods, it is crucial to differentiate heading 7603 from other headings within Section XV that also deal with base metals and their articles. Unlike headings for solid aluminum bars, rods, shapes, or unwrought forms, 7603 specifically addresses aluminum in a particulate or flattened form. Furthermore, this heading is distinct from products where aluminum is a component in alloys or mixtures that are classified elsewhere, as it pertains solely to unalloyed aluminum in powder or flake form.

Within heading 7603, subheadings differentiate based on the structure of the aluminum powder. Subheading 7603.10 covers powders of a non-lamellar structure, meaning the particles are not characterized by flat, plate-like shapes. In contrast, subheading 7603.20 accounts for both powders with a lamellar structure (i.e., platelike particles) and aluminum flakes, which are inherently lamellar in nature. This distinction is based on the morphology of the aluminum particles, a key factor in their industrial application and subsequent classification.