Bismuth; including articles n.e.c. in heading 8106, including waste and scrap, containing less than or equal to 99.99% of bismuth, by weight

HS code 810690 covers the classification of bismuth, including articles not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) in heading 8106, as well as waste and scrap containing less than or equal to 99.99% of bismuth by weight. Bismuth is a rare, naturally occurring metallic element with a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. It is an important component in various alloys, pharmaceuticals, and specialized chemical products, making it a crucial material in the global economy.

Bismuth is primarily extracted from lead, copper, and tin ores through smelting and refining processes. The main production techniques involve roasting, smelting, and electrolytic refining to separate and purify the bismuth from the ore. Recycling of bismuth-containing waste and scrap is also an important source of supply, as it allows for the recovery and reuse of this valuable material.

The key inputs for the bismuth industry include lead, copper, and tin ores, as well as various chemicals and energy sources required for the smelting and refining processes. Specialized equipment, such as furnaces, electrolytic cells, and purification systems, are also essential for the efficient production of high-purity bismuth.

The primary output of HS code 810690 is refined bismuth metal, which is then used in the production of a wide range of products. These include 811000 Tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, magnesium, cobalt, germanium, vanadium, gallium, hafnium, indium, niobium, rhenium and thallium, and articles thereof, including waste and scrap, 851790 (Parts of telephone sets, telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network), other than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 8443, 8525, 8527 or 8528), and 300490 (Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses (including those in the form of transdermal administration systems) or in forms or packings for retail sale), among others.