Glass; cast glass and rolled glass, non-wired sheets, coloured through the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer

HS code 700312 covers a range of specialty glass products that are widely used in various industries, including construction, automotive, and electronics. These glass sheets are characterized by their unique properties, such as coloration, opacity, and specialized coatings, which make them suitable for a variety of applications. The global demand for these specialized glass products has been steadily increasing, driven by the growing construction and automotive sectors, as well as the expanding electronics industry.

The production of glass sheets under HS code 700312 typically involves a multi-step process. First, the raw materials, such as silica sand, soda ash, and other additives, are carefully measured and melted in a high-temperature furnace. The molten glass is then either cast or rolled into sheets, depending on the desired thickness and surface characteristics. During this process, the glass can be colored by adding specific pigments or coatings can be applied to create the desired optical properties, such as absorption, reflection, or anti-reflective properties.

The main inputs required for the production of glass sheets under HS code 700312 include high-purity silica sand, soda ash, limestone, and various other mineral additives. Specialized machinery, such as glass melting furnaces, casting or rolling equipment, and coating application systems, are also essential for the manufacturing process. Additionally, skilled labor and precise quality control measures are crucial to ensure the consistent production of these specialized glass products.

The primary outputs of the industry covered by HS code 700312 are specialty glass sheets with unique properties, such as coloration, opacity, and specialized coatings. These glass sheets are widely used in the construction industry for windows, facades, and other architectural applications. They are also used in the automotive industry for windshields, side windows, and sunroofs, as well as in the electronics industry for display panels and other components. The outputs of this industry may be further processed or consumed by industries covered under other HS codes, such as 701910 Glass fibers and articles thereof, 701990 Other articles of glass, n.e.s., and 854420 Optical fiber cables, among others.