7608.20.00 - Of aluminum alloys

This HTS category, 7608.20.00, specifically classifies aluminum tubes and pipes that are manufactured from aluminum alloys. These are distinct from pure aluminum tubes and pipes, meaning they contain other metallic elements intentionally added to enhance properties such as strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance. This category encompasses a wide range of hollow aluminum products used in various industrial, commercial, and residential applications where the superior characteristics of aluminum alloys are required.

In contrast to its sibling category, 7608.10.00, which covers tubes and pipes made of unalloyed aluminum, this classification mandates the presence of alloying elements in the aluminum material. The classification hinges on the composition of the base metal, ensuring that products utilizing aluminum alloys are correctly segregated for tariff purposes. This distinction is crucial for applying the appropriate duties and trade regulations.

The subcategories within 7608.20.00 further refine the classification based on the manufacturing method of the tubes and pipes. The category 7608.20.00.30 applies to seamless tubes and pipes, which are formed without welding or joining seams, often through extrusion or drawing processes. The residual category, 7608.20.00.90, encompasses all other aluminum alloy tubes and pipes, including those manufactured by methods involving welding or forming from sheet material. This hierarchical structure allows for precise identification based on both material composition and construction.