8101 - Tungsten (wolfram) and articles thereof, including waste and scrap:

Category 8101 encompasses tungsten (also known as wolfram) in its various forms, along with articles manufactured from this metal, including any waste and scrap. Tungsten is a hard, dense metal known for its exceptionally high melting point and strength, making it valuable in a wide range of industrial applications. This category specifically deals with the raw metal, semi-finished products, and finished goods where tungsten is the primary constituent material.

Unlike sibling categories within Section XV that cover other base metals such as iron, copper, or aluminum, Category 8101 is exclusively dedicated to tungsten. This distinction is crucial for accurate customs declarations, as the unique properties and applications of tungsten necessitate separate tariff treatment. For instance, it differentiates tungsten from categories covering steel (Chapter 72), copper (Chapter 74), or aluminum (Chapter 76), even if those metals are used in similar end products.

The subcategories within 8101 serve to further refine the classification of tungsten-based goods. The provision for "Powders" (8101.10.00.00) specifically addresses tungsten in a particulate form, which is often used in manufacturing processes like powder metallurgy. The residual "Other" subcategory is a catch-all for any tungsten or articles thereof that do not fall under the more specific powder classification, requiring further examination of the physical form, processing, and intended use of the imported or exported goods to determine the correct classification.