Chapter 76 covers aluminum and articles thereof, including unwrought aluminum, aluminum products, and articles of aluminum. This chapter is divided into three main parts: unwrought aluminum (7601), aluminum products (7604-7608), and articles of aluminum (7609-7616). 7603 covers aluminum powder and flakes, which are primary processed aluminum products widely used in metallurgy, chemicals, pigments, fireworks, and other industries. The classification principles of this chapter are mainly based on aluminum content, form, and degree of processing. The distinction between unwrought aluminum and aluminum products lies in whether they have undergone processing such as rolling or extrusion. Heading 7603 covers aluminum powder and flake aluminum powder (aluminum flakes). Aluminum powder refers to fine aluminum particles produced by atomization, grinding, and other methods, while flake aluminum powder has a scaly structure and is typically used in pigments, coatings, gunpowder, etc. This heading does not include aluminum paste (which belongs to 3212 or 7603? In fact, aluminum paste is classified under 3212 or 7603? According to HS notes, aluminum powder includes flake aluminum powder, but aluminum paste, if used as a pigment, is classified under 3212. 7603 includes only powder and flake forms, not paste. In addition, if aluminum powder is mixed with other substances to make pigments, it is classified under Chapter 32. Code 760310 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits, 76, represent Chapter 76 (aluminum and articles thereof); digits 3-4, 03, represent heading 7603 (aluminum powder and flake aluminum powder); digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 760310, namely 'aluminum powder, flake.' In HS classification, heading 7603 is divided into two subheadings: 760310 (flake aluminum powder) and 760320 (non-flake aluminum powder). Therefore, 760310 specifically refers to aluminum powder in flake (scaly) form, whose particles have a flat structure and are usually produced by ball milling, used in pigments, coatings, printing inks, etc. Non-flake aluminum powder (such as atomized aluminum powder) is classified under 760320. This commodity is flake aluminum powder, and because it has a scaly morphology, it meets the description of subheading 760310. The difference from 760320 (non-flake aluminum powder) lies in particle shape: flake aluminum powder is formed by grinding and flattening and has a large diameter-to-thickness ratio, while non-flake aluminum powder is mostly spherical or teardrop-shaped. In addition, if aluminum powder is mixed with other substances to make pigments or paste, it may be classified under Chapter 32 (such as 3212), but pure aluminum powder or surface-treated aluminum powder is still classified under 7603.

Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be clearly stated as 'flake aluminum powder' or 'aluminum powder, flake,' avoiding colloquial names such as 'silver powder.' Material: Explain the aluminum content and whether other elements are contained, such as pure aluminum or aluminum alloy, as well as the percentage of main components. Shape: Clearly state flake (scaly) form and describe the morphological characteristics of the particles, such as flat, irregular, etc. Particle size: Provide the particle size range of the aluminum powder, usually expressed in micrometers or mesh, such as average particle size 10-50 micrometers. Use: Explain the main application fields of the aluminum powder, such as use in coatings, pigments, fireworks, metallurgy, etc. Processing method: Briefly describe the production process, such as ball milling, atomization, etc. Flake aluminum powder is usually produced by ball milling. Brand: Declare the brand or manufacturer name; if there is no brand, write 'none.' Packaging specifications: Explain the packaging form and net weight, such as iron drum packaging, 25 kg per drum. Product name: flake aluminum powder; Material: pure aluminum, aluminum content >=99.5%; Shape: flake; Particle size: average particle size 15 micrometers; Use: used to manufacture coatings and printing inks; Processing method: ball milling; Brand: none; Packaging specifications: iron drum packaging, net weight 25 kg/drum. Confusing flake aluminum powder with non-flake aluminum powder, resulting in an incorrect subheading. Failing to declare aluminum content, which may cause it to be mistaken for aluminum alloy powder. Unclear declaration of use, affecting classification judgment. Packaging specifications not provided, which may affect customs inspection.

The core basis for classification is the particle shape of the aluminum powder. According to HS notes, 7603 includes aluminum powder and flake aluminum powder, among which flake aluminum powder (760310) specifically refers to aluminum powder with a scaly structure produced by grinding and other methods, with flat particles and a large diameter-to-thickness ratio. Non-flake aluminum powder (760320) includes spherical or teardrop-shaped aluminum powder produced by atomization. In addition, if aluminum powder is mixed with other substances to make pigments or paste, it is classified under Chapter 32 (such as 3212). If aluminum powder is used as a metallurgical additive, it is still classified under 7603. Therefore, shape is the key to distinguishing 760310 from 760320. 760320 Non-flake aluminum powder: Particle shape is different: 760320 is non-flake (such as spherical or teardrop-shaped), usually produced by atomization; 760310 is flake, produced by ball milling. 32129000 Aluminum paste and aluminum pigments: Aluminum paste is a paste made by mixing aluminum powder with solvents and additives, classified under 3212; while 760310 is pure aluminum powder or surface-treated flake aluminum powder that has not been mixed with other substances. 76011000 Unwrought non-alloy aluminum: Unwrought aluminum is in block, ingot, or similar forms and has not been powdered; 760310 is in powder form and is flake-shaped. 76020000 Aluminum waste and scrap: Aluminum waste and scrap are recycled aluminum waste materials, while 760310 is newly produced aluminum powder, with different shapes and uses. 28181000 Artificial corundum: Artificial corundum is mainly composed of aluminum oxide, while 760310 is metallic aluminum powder, with different composition. Confirm whether the commodity is flake aluminum powder rather than another shape. Check whether the aluminum content meets the standard for pure aluminum to avoid confusion with alloy powder. Confirm whether it is mixed with other substances; if mixed, it may be classified under Chapter 32. Verify whether the processing method is ball milling to support flake classification. Check whether the use affects classification; for example, use in pigments requires attention to Chapter 32.

How do you distinguish flake aluminum powder from non-flake aluminum powder? Flake aluminum powder particles are flat and scaly, usually produced by ball milling, and have a large diameter-to-thickness ratio; non-flake aluminum powder is mostly spherical or teardrop-shaped and produced by atomization. When declaring, shape description and processing method should be provided so that customs can classify correctly. What is the difference between aluminum powder and aluminum paste in HS codes? Pure aluminum powder or surface-treated aluminum powder is classified under 7603, with flake under 760310 and non-flake under 760320; while aluminum paste is a paste made by mixing aluminum powder with solvents, additives, etc., and is usually classified under 3212 as a pigment. If aluminum paste is used for other purposes, it may be classified under different chapters. What key elements are required when declaring flake aluminum powder? Key elements include product name, material (aluminum content), shape (flake), particle size, use, processing method, brand, and packaging specifications. These elements help customs confirm classification and avoid delays or disputes caused by incomplete information. How can the tax rate for flake aluminum powder be checked? Tax rates change with national policies and trade agreements. It is recommended to check the latest tax rate through the General Administration of Customs website, the International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a professional customs broker. Also note that factors such as origin and trade mode may affect the actual tax rate. If aluminum powder is used for fireworks, are there special classification requirements? Aluminum powder used for fireworks is usually flake aluminum powder and is still classified under 760310, but note that fireworks themselves are classified under 3604. If aluminum powder is mixed with other substances to make fireworks compositions, it is classified under 3604. Therefore, pure aluminum powder is still declared under 760310. What regulatory documents are required for importing flake aluminum powder? According to national regulations, aluminum powder may involve hazardous chemicals management, requiring a hazardous properties classification identification report, safety data sheet (MSDS), etc. Specific regulatory documents must be determined according to customs and emergency management department requirements, and it is advisable to consult in advance. How can flake aluminum powder be prevented from being incorrectly classified under 3212? 3212 applies to pigments or pastes made by mixing aluminum powder with organic solvents, resins, etc. If the aluminum powder is pure metal powder and has not been mixed with other substances, even if used for pigments, it should be classified under 7603. Clarifying the composition and form during declaration can avoid errors. What are the precautions for packaging and transporting flake aluminum powder? Aluminum powder is a flammable solid and should be packaged in sealed containers, avoiding contact with oxidants and acids. During transportation, dangerous goods transport regulations must be followed, an MSDS must be provided, and the packaging must meet international sea or air transport requirements.