Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including articles made from various silicate materials through forming, drying, and firing. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers refractory ceramic articles made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and other refractory ceramic articles; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic articles. Refractory bricks, as key materials for high-temperature industrial kilns, are classified mainly based on their chemical composition and refractoriness. This chapter has a specific heading for refractory ceramic articles. Heading 6902 covers refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods, other than those made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths. Refractory articles under this heading must be refractory (usually with a refractoriness of not less than 1500°C) and are mainly used for linings of high-temperature industrial kilns in metallurgy, glass, cement, etc. According to their chemical composition, 6902 is further subdivided into different subheadings containing magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, chromium, etc. Code 690210 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "69" represent Chapter 69 (ceramic products); digits 3-4 "02" represent heading 6902 (refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 690210, specifically referring to refractory bricks containing by weight more than 50% of magnesium oxide (MgO) or calcium oxide (CaO) or a mixture thereof. Therefore, the complete meaning of this code is: refractory bricks containing more than 50% of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide (or a mixture thereof). This commodity is classified under 690210 because its chemical composition contains by weight more than 50% of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide (or the sum of both), meeting the description of subheading 690210. If the content of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide does not exceed 50%, it may be classified under 690220 (containing aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, etc.) or 690290 (other). In addition, if it is a refractory brick made from siliceous fossil meals, it should be classified under 6901 rather than 6902.
Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including articles made from various silicate materials through forming, drying, and firing. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers refractory ceramic articles made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and other refractory ceramic articles; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic articles. Refractory bricks, as key materials for high-temperature industrial kilns, are classified mainly based on their chemical composition and refractoriness. This chapter has a specific heading for refractory ceramic articles.
Heading
Heading 6902 covers refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods, other than those made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths. Refractory articles under this heading must be refractory (usually with a refractoriness of not less than 1500°C) and are mainly used for linings of high-temperature industrial kilns in metallurgy, glass, cement, etc. According to their chemical composition, 6902 is further subdivided into different subheadings containing magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, chromium, etc.
Digit Breakdown
Code 690210 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "69" represent Chapter 69 (ceramic products); digits 3-4 "02" represent heading 6902 (refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 690210, specifically referring to refractory bricks containing by weight more than 50% of magnesium oxide (MgO) or calcium oxide (CaO) or a mixture thereof. Therefore, the complete meaning of this code is: refractory bricks containing more than 50% of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide (or a mixture thereof).
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 690210 because its chemical composition contains by weight more than 50% of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide (or the sum of both), meeting the description of subheading 690210. If the content of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide does not exceed 50%, it may be classified under 690220 (containing aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, etc.) or 690290 (other). In addition, if it is a refractory brick made from siliceous fossil meals, it should be classified under 6901 rather than 6902.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "magnesia brick", "magnesia-calcium brick", etc., which should accurately reflect the material and use of the commodity. Brand Type: Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand"; if there is a brand, fill in the brand name. Export Preference Status: Fill in according to the actual trade situation, such as "export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country", etc. Composition Content: Declare the main chemical components and contents of the refractory brick, especially the percentage content of magnesium oxide and calcium oxide. Refractoriness: Declare the refractoriness of the product, usually expressed in degrees Celsius, such as "≥1500°C". Specifications and Dimensions: Declare the dimensions of the refractory brick, such as length, width, thickness, etc., usually expressed in millimeters. Use: Declare the specific use of the refractory brick, such as "used for steelmaking furnace lining", "used for cement kiln", etc. Appearance: Describe the appearance and shape of the product, such as "rectangular brick", "wedge brick", etc. Product Name: Magnesia-calcium refractory brick; Brand Type: No brand; Export Preference Status: No preference; Composition Content: MgO 60%, CaO 20%, SiO2 5%, others 15%; Refractoriness: ≥1700°C; Specifications and Dimensions: 230mm×114mm×65mm; Use: Used for steelmaking converter lining; Appearance: Rectangular brick. Failing to accurately declare the content of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide, resulting in inability to determine whether it is classified under 690210. Confusing the refractoriness of refractory bricks with the service temperature; refractoriness is a material performance indicator, while service temperature is an operating condition. Ignoring the declaration of brand type and export preference status, affecting customs statistics and subsequent verification.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "magnesia brick", "magnesia-calcium brick", etc., which should accurately reflect the material and use of the commodity.
⚠️ Declaring only as "refractory brick" without indicating the main components, leading to classification disputes.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand"; if there is a brand, fill in the brand name.
⚠️ Confusing brand type with brand name, or omitting brand information.
Export Preference Status
Fill in according to the actual trade situation, such as "export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country", etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly checking the preference status, leading to subsequent verification issues.
Composition Content
Declare the main chemical components and contents of the refractory brick, especially the percentage content of magnesium oxide and calcium oxide.
⚠️ Failing to provide the specific content of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide, making it impossible to determine whether it is classified under 690210.
Refractoriness
Declare the refractoriness of the product, usually expressed in degrees Celsius, such as "≥1500°C".
⚠️ Failing to provide refractoriness, or providing a refractoriness lower than the standard, affecting classification.
Specifications and Dimensions
Declare the dimensions of the refractory brick, such as length, width, thickness, etc., usually expressed in millimeters.
⚠️ Incomplete specifications and dimensions or incorrect units.
Use
Declare the specific use of the refractory brick, such as "used for steelmaking furnace lining", "used for cement kiln", etc.
⚠️ Use description is too general, such as "industrial use", which cannot reflect the specific application.
Appearance
Describe the appearance and shape of the product, such as "rectangular brick", "wedge brick", etc.
⚠️ Appearance description does not match the actual product, or is not described.
Example： Product Name: Magnesia-calcium refractory brick; Brand Type: No brand; Export Preference Status: No preference; Composition Content: MgO 60%, CaO 20%, SiO2 5%, others 15%; Refractoriness: ≥1700°C; Specifications and Dimensions: 230mm×114mm×65mm; Use: Used for steelmaking converter lining; Appearance: Rectangular brick.
Common Mistakes：
Failing to accurately declare the content of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide, resulting in inability to determine whether it is classified under 690210.
Confusing the refractoriness of refractory bricks with the service temperature; refractoriness is a material performance indicator, while service temperature is an operating condition.
Ignoring the declaration of brand type and export preference status, affecting customs statistics and subsequent verification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are the chemical composition and refractoriness of the product. First, it must be confirmed that the product is a refractory ceramic article, i.e., with a refractoriness of not less than 1500°C. Second, according to the chemical composition, if the content by weight of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide or a mixture thereof exceeds 50%, it is classified under subheading 690210; if the content of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide or a mixture thereof exceeds 50%, it is classified under 690220; if other components predominate, it is classified under 690290. In addition, attention should be paid to excluding refractory bricks made from siliceous fossil meals (classified under 6901). 690220 Refractory bricks containing aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide: This code applies to refractory bricks containing by weight more than 50% of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide or a mixture thereof, while 690210 requires more than 50% of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide. The core difference lies in the main components. 690290 Other refractory bricks: This code applies to other refractory bricks not classified under 690210 and 690220, i.e., refractory bricks in which none of magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, etc. exceeds 50%. 690100 Refractory bricks made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths: This code applies to refractory bricks made from siliceous fossil meals (such as diatomite) or similar siliceous earths, which have high silicon dioxide content but belong to siliceous materials, different from the magnesia-calcium refractory bricks of 690210. 681591 Refractory articles containing magnesia cement: This code applies to refractory articles containing magnesia cement, such as refractory mortars, concretes, etc., while 690210 refers to shaped refractory bricks, with differences in form and use. 251990 Other magnesium oxide: This code is for magnesium oxide raw materials, not formed and fired, while 690210 is for finished refractory bricks, already formed and fired, with refractory properties. Is the refractoriness of the product not less than 1500°C? Is the content of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide more than 50%? Is the product a shaped refractory brick? Have siliceous fossil meal products been excluded? Have the composition content and refractoriness been accurately declared?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are the chemical composition and refractoriness of the product. First, it must be confirmed that the product is a refractory ceramic article, i.e., with a refractoriness of not less than 1500°C. Second, according to the chemical composition, if the content by weight of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide or a mixture thereof exceeds 50%, it is classified under subheading 690210; if the content of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide or a mixture thereof exceeds 50%, it is classified under 690220; if other components predominate, it is classified under 690290. In addition, attention should be paid to excluding refractory bricks made from siliceous fossil meals (classified under 6901).
Confused Codes：
690220 - Refractory bricks containing aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide
This code applies to refractory bricks containing by weight more than 50% of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide or a mixture thereof, while 690210 requires more than 50% of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide. The core difference lies in the main components.
690290 - Other refractory bricks
This code applies to other refractory bricks not classified under 690210 and 690220, i.e., refractory bricks in which none of magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, etc. exceeds 50%.
690100 - Refractory bricks made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths
This code applies to refractory bricks made from siliceous fossil meals (such as diatomite) or similar siliceous earths, which have high silicon dioxide content but belong to siliceous materials, different from the magnesia-calcium refractory bricks of 690210.
This code applies to refractory articles containing magnesia cement, such as refractory mortars, concretes, etc., while 690210 refers to shaped refractory bricks, with differences in form and use.
251990 - Other magnesium oxide
This code is for magnesium oxide raw materials, not formed and fired, while 690210 is for finished refractory bricks, already formed and fired, with refractory properties.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the refractoriness of the product not less than 1500°C?
✓ Is the content of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide more than 50%?
✓ Is the product a shaped refractory brick?
✓ Have siliceous fossil meal products been excluded?
✓ Have the composition content and refractoriness been accurately declared?
❓ FAQ
How to query the HS code for refractory bricks? When querying the HS code for refractory bricks, first determine that it belongs to refractory ceramic articles (Chapter 69). Then judge based on the main components: if magnesium oxide or calcium oxide exceeds 50%, classify under 690210; if aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide exceeds 50%, classify under 690220; otherwise classify under 690290. Also note whether the refractoriness meets the standard and whether it is a siliceous fossil meal product. It is recommended to use the Customs Tariff of the Import and Export or authoritative classification databases. How to fill in the composition content in the declaration elements for refractory bricks? The composition content should include the main chemical components and their percentages, especially magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, etc. For example: "MgO 60%, CaO 20%, SiO2 5%". These data are key for customs classification and must be accurate. If the content is close to the 50% threshold, it is recommended to provide a test report. Is there a standard for the refractoriness of refractory bricks? Refractoriness is an important indicator of refractory materials, usually required to be not less than 1500°C. However, refractory bricks for different uses may have different refractoriness; for example, refractory bricks for metallurgical furnaces may require higher. When declaring, the measured refractoriness should be provided and ensure it meets the requirements of heading 6902. If the refractoriness is lower than 1500°C, it may be classified under other chapters. What is the main difference between 690210 and 690220? The main difference lies in the chemical composition: 690210 requires by weight more than 50% of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide or a mixture thereof; 690220 requires more than 50% of aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide or a mixture thereof. Therefore, when declaring, the main components and their contents must be clearly stated for correct classification. How to declare the specifications and dimensions of refractory bricks? Specifications and dimensions should be declared completely, usually including length, width, and thickness, in millimeters. For example: "230mm×114mm×65mm". For special-shaped bricks, the maximum dimensions and shape should be described. Specifications and dimensions affect customs supervision of the product and must be declared truthfully. How to describe the use of refractory bricks? The use should be specific and clear, such as "used for steelmaking converter lining", "used for glass melting furnace", "used for cement rotary kiln", etc. Avoid general descriptions such as "industrial use" or "construction use". Specific use helps customs confirm product classification and regulatory conditions. What special documents are required for exporting refractory bricks? Exporting refractory bricks generally requires basic documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations. If it is a commodity subject to statutory inspection, a customs clearance form for outbound goods is also required. In addition, according to the requirements of the destination country, quality certificates, composition test reports, etc. may be required. It is recommended to consult customs or a professional customs broker in advance. How to query the tariff rate for refractory bricks? Tariff rates can be queried in the Customs Tariff of the People's Republic of China or on the website of the General Administration of Customs. Rates are adjusted according to national policies, and different trade modes (such as general trade, processing trade) and origins may apply different rates. It is recommended to refer to the latest tariff or use customs tariff query tools.
Q: How to query the HS code for refractory bricks?
A: When querying the HS code for refractory bricks, first determine that it belongs to refractory ceramic articles (Chapter 69). Then judge based on the main components: if magnesium oxide or calcium oxide exceeds 50%, classify under 690210; if aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide exceeds 50%, classify under 690220; otherwise classify under 690290. Also note whether the refractoriness meets the standard and whether it is a siliceous fossil meal product. It is recommended to use the Customs Tariff of the Import and Export or authoritative classification databases.
Q: How to fill in the composition content in the declaration elements for refractory bricks?
A: The composition content should include the main chemical components and their percentages, especially magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, etc. For example: "MgO 60%, CaO 20%, SiO2 5%". These data are key for customs classification and must be accurate. If the content is close to the 50% threshold, it is recommended to provide a test report.
Q: Is there a standard for the refractoriness of refractory bricks?
A: Refractoriness is an important indicator of refractory materials, usually required to be not less than 1500°C. However, refractory bricks for different uses may have different refractoriness; for example, refractory bricks for metallurgical furnaces may require higher. When declaring, the measured refractoriness should be provided and ensure it meets the requirements of heading 6902. If the refractoriness is lower than 1500°C, it may be classified under other chapters.
Q: What is the main difference between 690210 and 690220?
A: The main difference lies in the chemical composition: 690210 requires by weight more than 50% of magnesium oxide or calcium oxide or a mixture thereof; 690220 requires more than 50% of aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide or a mixture thereof. Therefore, when declaring, the main components and their contents must be clearly stated for correct classification.
Q: How to declare the specifications and dimensions of refractory bricks?
A: Specifications and dimensions should be declared completely, usually including length, width, and thickness, in millimeters. For example: "230mm×114mm×65mm". For special-shaped bricks, the maximum dimensions and shape should be described. Specifications and dimensions affect customs supervision of the product and must be declared truthfully.
Q: How to describe the use of refractory bricks?
A: The use should be specific and clear, such as "used for steelmaking converter lining", "used for glass melting furnace", "used for cement rotary kiln", etc. Avoid general descriptions such as "industrial use" or "construction use". Specific use helps customs confirm product classification and regulatory conditions.
Q: What special documents are required for exporting refractory bricks?
A: Exporting refractory bricks generally requires basic documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations. If it is a commodity subject to statutory inspection, a customs clearance form for outbound goods is also required. In addition, according to the requirements of the destination country, quality certificates, composition test reports, etc. may be required. It is recommended to consult customs or a professional customs broker in advance.
Q: How to query the tariff rate for refractory bricks?
A: Tariff rates can be queried in the Customs Tariff of the People's Republic of China or on the website of the General Administration of Customs. Rates are adjusted according to national policies, and different trade modes (such as general trade, processing trade) and origins may apply different rates. It is recommended to refer to the latest tariff or use customs tariff query tools.
⚠️ 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.