Borates and Peroxoborates (Perborates)

Sodium perborate is a peroxoborate and falls within this SITC heading, while sodium percarbonate is a peroxocarbonate classified under salts of inorganic acids. The two are functionally similar oxygen-bleach agents but are chemically distinct compounds, so the correct classification depends on the actual chemical identity confirmed by the supplier's specification sheet or safety data sheet.

Domestic US borate production is concentrated in a small number of California deposits and primarily yields standard grades. Importers may seek ultra-refined or specialty borate grades — such as high-purity anhydrous borax for optical glass or specific particle-size fractions for ceramic applications — that are more efficiently sourced from overseas refiners with tailored processing capabilities.