7616.99.51.60 - Castings

This HTS category, 7616.99.51.60, specifically covers cast articles of aluminum that do not fall under more specific classifications within Chapter 76. Castings are produced by pouring molten aluminum into a mold and allowing it to solidify. This process results in articles shaped directly by the mold, often with intricate designs or hollow sections. Examples include various cast aluminum components for machinery, decorative items, or household goods where the manufacturing method is casting.

It is important to distinguish this category from its sibling, 7616.99.51.70, which covers forgings of aluminum. Forgings are manufactured by shaping heated aluminum metal through hammering, pressing, or rolling, resulting in articles with a more uniform grain structure and generally higher strength compared to castings. Therefore, the defining characteristic for classification here is the manufacturing process: casting versus forging.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification system, there are no further subcategories. This means that all articles meeting the description of "castings" of aluminum, and not specifically provided for elsewhere, will be classified under this code. Classification will rely on confirming the article is indeed made of aluminum and that its method of manufacture is casting, as opposed to other forming processes or more specific product categories.