Zirconium; other than unwrought, n.e.c. in heading no. 8109

hs code 810990 covers zirconium products that are not in unwrought form, and not classified elsewhere under heading 8109. Zirconium is a strong, corrosion-resistant metal with a wide range of industrial applications. It plays a crucial role in various sectors, including nuclear power, chemical processing, and aerospace engineering, making it an important commodity in the global trade landscape.

Zirconium is primarily produced through the Kroll process, which involves the reduction of zirconium chloride with magnesium. The resulting zirconium sponge is then melted and cast into ingots or other intermediate forms. Further processing, such as rolling, forging, or machining, is often required to obtain the desired shapes and specifications for various end-use applications.

The production of zirconium products under hs code 810990 requires several key inputs, including zirconium ore (typically in the form of zircon sand), chlorine, and reducing agents like magnesium. Specialized equipment, such as furnaces, casting molds, and metal-working machinery, are also essential for the various processing stages.

Zirconium products classified under hs code 810990 are used in a wide range of industries. They are commonly used in the production of 840110 Nuclear reactors, 840120 Machinery and apparatus for isotopic separation, and 840140 Parts of nuclear reactors. Additionally, zirconium is used in the manufacture of 840220 Steam or other vapor generating boilers, 840410 Auxiliary plant for use with boilers, and 840490 Parts of auxiliary plant for use with boilers.