Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including various siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths products, refractory bricks, building bricks, tiles, sanitary ware, insulators, etc. Goods in this chapter are mainly fired at high temperatures and have heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant and other properties, but exclude glass, cement products and certain graphite products. Within the chapter, they are further subdivided by use, material and process. Heading 6901 covers only bricks, blocks, tiles and other building or refractory articles made from siliceous fossil meals (such as diatomite) or similar siliceous earths (such as diatomite, silica). These articles are usually lightweight, porous and good at heat insulation, but differ from ordinary clay bricks or refractory clay bricks. This heading does not include ceramic articles other than siliceous refractory materials. The first 2 digits "69" represent Chapter 69, ceramic products; digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 6901, namely bricks made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths; digits 5-6 are the subheading, and the current code is 690100, indicating that there is no further subdivision under this heading, and all bricks made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths that meet the description are classified under this subheading. Therefore, the complete code 690100 refers to bricks made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths. This product is classified under 6901 rather than 6902 (refractory bricks) or 6904 (building bricks) because its raw material is siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, and it is usually used as heat insulation or lightweight building components, rather than refractory clay or ordinary clay. If made of refractory clay, it would be classified under 6902; if it is an ordinary building brick, it would be classified under 6904.
Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including various siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths products, refractory bricks, building bricks, tiles, sanitary ware, insulators, etc. Goods in this chapter are mainly fired at high temperatures and have heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant and other properties, but exclude glass, cement products and certain graphite products. Within the chapter, they are further subdivided by use, material and process.
Heading
Heading 6901 covers only bricks, blocks, tiles and other building or refractory articles made from siliceous fossil meals (such as diatomite) or similar siliceous earths (such as diatomite, silica). These articles are usually lightweight, porous and good at heat insulation, but differ from ordinary clay bricks or refractory clay bricks. This heading does not include ceramic articles other than siliceous refractory materials.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits "69" represent Chapter 69, ceramic products; digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 6901, namely bricks made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths; digits 5-6 are the subheading, and the current code is 690100, indicating that there is no further subdivision under this heading, and all bricks made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths that meet the description are classified under this subheading. Therefore, the complete code 690100 refers to bricks made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 6901 rather than 6902 (refractory bricks) or 6904 (building bricks) because its raw material is siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, and it is usually used as heat insulation or lightweight building components, rather than refractory clay or ordinary clay. If made of refractory clay, it would be classified under 6902; if it is an ordinary building brick, it would be classified under 6904.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared product, such as "diatomite brick", "brick made from siliceous fossil meals", etc., which must be consistent with the HS code description. Material: Explain the main components, such as diatomite, silica powder and other siliceous materials, and indicate the percentage content. Use: Describe the use of the brick, such as heat insulation, thermal insulation, building filling, etc., to confirm whether it belongs to 6901. Appearance: Describe the shape, color, dimensions, etc., such as porous block, white, length, width and height. Density/Porosity: Provide bulk density or porosity data; siliceous fossil bricks are usually lightweight and porous. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Model: Declare the product model or specification for easy identification. Product name: Diatomite insulation brick; Material: Diatomite (SiO2 content 85%); Use: Heat insulation for industrial kilns; Appearance: White porous rectangular block, length 230mm x width 114mm x thickness 65mm; Density: 0.6g/cm³; Brand: None; Model: DB-230. Mistakenly reporting diatomite bricks as refractory bricks, resulting in classification under 6902, which may affect regulatory conditions and tax rates. Failure to provide density or porosity, making it impossible to prove that they are lightweight siliceous products. Vague use description, such as "for construction", which is easily confused with 6904; it should be specified as "for heat insulation".
Product name
The specific name of the declared product, such as "diatomite brick", "brick made from siliceous fossil meals", etc., which must be consistent with the HS code description.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing it as "refractory brick" or "building brick", leading to incorrect classification.
Material
Explain the main components, such as diatomite, silica powder and other siliceous materials, and indicate the percentage content.
⚠️ Only writing "siliceous" without specifying the specific mineral, or mistakenly reporting it as clay.
Use
Describe the use of the brick, such as heat insulation, thermal insulation, building filling, etc., to confirm whether it belongs to 6901.
⚠️ Filling in "refractory" but it is actually not refractory, resulting in classification under 6902.
Appearance
Describe the shape, color, dimensions, etc., such as porous block, white, length, width and height.
⚠️ Ignoring the dimension description, which affects customs inspection.
Density/Porosity
Provide bulk density or porosity data; siliceous fossil bricks are usually lightweight and porous.
⚠️ Failure to provide density data, making it impossible to distinguish from ordinary bricks.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Omitting the brand or mistakenly reporting another brand.
Model
Declare the product model or specification for easy identification.
⚠️ The model does not match the actual product.
Example： Product name: Diatomite insulation brick; Material: Diatomite (SiO2 content 85%); Use: Heat insulation for industrial kilns; Appearance: White porous rectangular block, length 230mm x width 114mm x thickness 65mm; Density: 0.6g/cm³; Brand: None; Model: DB-230.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly reporting diatomite bricks as refractory bricks, resulting in classification under 6902, which may affect regulatory conditions and tax rates.
Failure to provide density or porosity, making it impossible to prove that they are lightweight siliceous products.
Vague use description, such as "for construction", which is easily confused with 6904; it should be specified as "for heat insulation".
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the raw material is siliceous fossil meals (such as diatomite) or similar siliceous earths; 2) whether it has been formed and fired; 3) whether the use is construction, heat insulation or refractory auxiliary. If the main component is diatomite and it is lightweight and porous, even if it has a certain degree of refractoriness, it is still classified under 6901. If it is refractory clay or high alumina, it is classified under 6902. 6902 Refractory bricks: 6902 refers to bricks made of refractory materials such as refractory clay and high alumina, with refractoriness higher than 1500°C; 6901 refers to bricks made from siliceous fossil meals, with lower refractoriness, mainly used for heat insulation. 6904 Building bricks: 6904 refers to ordinary clay, cement and other building bricks, without the characteristics of siliceous fossil meals; 6901 bricks are lightweight and porous, often used for industrial insulation. 6806 Articles of mineral wool, expanded mineral materials: 6806 includes heat insulation products such as expanded vermiculite and expanded clay, but they are not fired into bricks; 6901 refers to formed and fired bricks. 6903 Other refractory ceramic articles: 6903 includes refractory crucibles, tubes, etc., not in brick shape; 6901 specifically refers to bricks, blocks and tiles. Is the raw material clearly diatomite or siliceous fossil meals? Has it been fired and formed? Is the use heat insulation or lightweight construction? Is the density lower than 1.0g/cm³? Does it not belong to refractory clay or high alumina?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the raw material is siliceous fossil meals (such as diatomite) or similar siliceous earths; 2) whether it has been formed and fired; 3) whether the use is construction, heat insulation or refractory auxiliary. If the main component is diatomite and it is lightweight and porous, even if it has a certain degree of refractoriness, it is still classified under 6901. If it is refractory clay or high alumina, it is classified under 6902.
Confused Codes：
6902 - Refractory bricks
6902 refers to bricks made of refractory materials such as refractory clay and high alumina, with refractoriness higher than 1500°C; 6901 refers to bricks made from siliceous fossil meals, with lower refractoriness, mainly used for heat insulation.
6904 - Building bricks
6904 refers to ordinary clay, cement and other building bricks, without the characteristics of siliceous fossil meals; 6901 bricks are lightweight and porous, often used for industrial insulation.
6806 - Articles of mineral wool, expanded mineral materials
6806 includes heat insulation products such as expanded vermiculite and expanded clay, but they are not fired into bricks; 6901 refers to formed and fired bricks.
6903 - Other refractory ceramic articles
6903 includes refractory crucibles, tubes, etc., not in brick shape; 6901 specifically refers to bricks, blocks and tiles.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the raw material clearly diatomite or siliceous fossil meals?
✓ Has it been fired and formed?
✓ Is the use heat insulation or lightweight construction?
✓ Is the density lower than 1.0g/cm³?
✓ Does it not belong to refractory clay or high alumina?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between diatomite bricks and refractory bricks? Diatomite bricks are classified under 6901, and refractory bricks under 6902. The difference lies in raw materials and refractoriness: diatomite bricks are mainly made of diatomite, have lower refractoriness, and are mainly used for heat insulation; refractory bricks are mainly made of refractory clay or high alumina, with refractoriness higher than 1500°C. When declaring, proof of material and refractoriness is required. How can the classification of siliceous fossil meal bricks be determined? First confirm whether the raw material is diatomite or similar siliceous earth, then confirm whether it has been fired and formed, and finally confirm whether the use is heat insulation or construction. If all are met, it is classified under 6901. If it contains a large amount of clay or other refractory materials, it may be classified under 6902. What is the export tax rebate rate for 690100? The export tax rebate rate will be adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to check the latest Export Tax Rebate Rate Database or consult the local customs. Usually bricks made from siliceous fossil meals may enjoy a certain rebate rate, but the actual query shall prevail. What documents are required to declare 690100? Generally, contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, declaration elements, etc. are required. If required by customs, composition test reports, use statements, etc. may also be required. The specific requirements shall be subject to customs. Can siliceous fossil meal bricks be used for building exterior walls? Yes, but because they are porous and lightweight and have low strength, they are usually used for non-load-bearing heat insulation parts. If used for exterior walls, they must comply with building codes. For classification, they are still under 6901, but the use should be declared as "building heat insulation" rather than "load-bearing". If diatomite bricks contain a small amount of clay, does it affect classification? If the clay content is relatively low (such as less than 5%), and the main characteristics are still those of siliceous fossil meals, it will not affect classification under 6901. If the clay content is relatively high, it may be regarded as refractory clay bricks and classified under 6902. It is recommended to provide a composition test report. How to distinguish 690100 from 690290 when declaring? 690100 refers to bricks made from siliceous fossil meals, and 690290 refers to other refractory bricks. The key to distinction is the raw material: if it is a siliceous material such as diatomite, it is classified under 6901; if it is other refractory materials such as high alumina or silicon carbide, it is classified under 6902. The material must be clearly stated when declaring. For cross-border e-commerce sales of diatomite bricks, how should the HS code be selected? If the product is a brick made of diatomite and used for heat insulation or construction, 690100 should be selected. If it is made of diatomite in other shapes (such as boards, pipes), it may be classified under 6903 or 6806. It is recommended to judge according to the actual shape and use, and consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between diatomite bricks and refractory bricks?
A: Diatomite bricks are classified under 6901, and refractory bricks under 6902. The difference lies in raw materials and refractoriness: diatomite bricks are mainly made of diatomite, have lower refractoriness, and are mainly used for heat insulation; refractory bricks are mainly made of refractory clay or high alumina, with refractoriness higher than 1500°C. When declaring, proof of material and refractoriness is required.
Q: How can the classification of siliceous fossil meal bricks be determined?
A: First confirm whether the raw material is diatomite or similar siliceous earth, then confirm whether it has been fired and formed, and finally confirm whether the use is heat insulation or construction. If all are met, it is classified under 6901. If it contains a large amount of clay or other refractory materials, it may be classified under 6902.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 690100?
A: The export tax rebate rate will be adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to check the latest Export Tax Rebate Rate Database or consult the local customs. Usually bricks made from siliceous fossil meals may enjoy a certain rebate rate, but the actual query shall prevail.
Q: What documents are required to declare 690100?
A: Generally, contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, declaration elements, etc. are required. If required by customs, composition test reports, use statements, etc. may also be required. The specific requirements shall be subject to customs.
Q: Can siliceous fossil meal bricks be used for building exterior walls?
A: Yes, but because they are porous and lightweight and have low strength, they are usually used for non-load-bearing heat insulation parts. If used for exterior walls, they must comply with building codes. For classification, they are still under 6901, but the use should be declared as "building heat insulation" rather than "load-bearing".
Q: If diatomite bricks contain a small amount of clay, does it affect classification?
A: If the clay content is relatively low (such as less than 5%), and the main characteristics are still those of siliceous fossil meals, it will not affect classification under 6901. If the clay content is relatively high, it may be regarded as refractory clay bricks and classified under 6902. It is recommended to provide a composition test report.
Q: How to distinguish 690100 from 690290 when declaring?
A: 690100 refers to bricks made from siliceous fossil meals, and 690290 refers to other refractory bricks. The key to distinction is the raw material: if it is a siliceous material such as diatomite, it is classified under 6901; if it is other refractory materials such as high alumina or silicon carbide, it is classified under 6902. The material must be clearly stated when declaring.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of diatomite bricks, how should the HS code be selected?
A: If the product is a brick made of diatomite and used for heat insulation or construction, 690100 should be selected. If it is made of diatomite in other shapes (such as boards, pipes), it may be classified under 6903 or 6806. It is recommended to judge according to the actual shape and use, and consult a professional customs broker.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.