7607 - Aluminum foil (whether or not printed, or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2 mm:

This HTS category, 7607, encompasses aluminum foil, a versatile material characterized by its thinness, not exceeding 0.2 mm in thickness (excluding any backing material). This definition includes foil that may be plain, printed with designs or information, or combined with backing materials such as paper, paperboard, or plastics. The primary function of such foil is often related to packaging, insulation, or decorative applications due to its malleability, barrier properties, and reflectivity.

When classifying goods within the broader scope of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, it is crucial to differentiate this category from others based on fundamental material composition and form. Unlike sibling categories that might cover live animals, for example, HTS 7607 specifically deals with manufactured articles derived from aluminum, focusing on its form as foil and its precise thickness. The key distinguishing factor for this chapter (76) is the primary base metal being aluminum and its subsequent fabrication into articles.

Within HTS 7607, a further distinction is made based on whether the aluminum foil is backed. The subcategories will therefore differentiate between "not backed" foil, which stands alone as a thin aluminum sheet, and "backed" foil, which is adhered to another material. This division is important for customs purposes as the backing material can influence the overall product's characteristics, potential uses, and thus its specific tariff treatment.