9901.00.50 - Ethyl alcohol (provided for in subheadings 2207.10.60 and 2207.20) or any mixture containing such ethyl alcohol (provided for in heading 2710 or 3824) if such ethyl alcohol or mixture is to be used as a fuel or in producing a mixture of gasoline and alcohol, a mixture of a special fuel and alcohol, or any other mixture to be used as fuel (including motor fuel provided for in subheading 2710.12.15, 2710.19.16, 2710.19.24 or 2710.20.15), or is suitable for any such uses

This HTS classification, 9901.00.50, is specifically designated for ethyl alcohol and mixtures containing it, intended for fuel purposes. It encompasses pure ethyl alcohol that would otherwise fall under subheadings 2207.10.60 or 2207.20, as well as mixtures containing such alcohol that would ordinarily be classified under heading 2710 or 3824. The critical determining factor for classification under 9901.00.50 is the intended use of the ethyl alcohol or its mixture: to be employed as a fuel, to produce gasoline-alcohol blends, special fuel-alcohol mixtures, or any other fuel mixture, including specific motor fuels identified in subheadings 2710.12.15, 2710.19.16, 2710.19.24, or 2710.20.15. This provision applies when the ethyl alcohol or mixture is suitable for any of these fuel-related applications, even if its primary classification would be elsewhere.

Unlike the broad range of general commodities found in sibling categories such as live animals (Chapters 01xx) or other manufactured goods, this category is highly specialized. It operates within Chapter 99, which contains temporary legislation and special provisions. Therefore, its distinction from other HTS codes lies not in the inherent nature of the alcohol itself, but in its designated end-use as a fuel component. While ethyl alcohol for other purposes, such as industrial solvents or beverages, would be classified under different headings, 9901.00.50 targets only fuel-grade alcohol and related mixtures.

As this HTS code is a leaf node, it does not have further subcategories. Classification under 9901.00.50 is final and does not subdivide based on specific concentrations or fuel types beyond what is outlined in its description. Importers and customs brokers must carefully verify the intended use or suitability for fuel applications to ensure correct classification, as this category represents a departure from standard commodity classifications due to its temporary and specific trade policy implications.