Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including refractory goods made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, ceramic building bricks, flooring blocks, roofing tiles, chimney pipes, ceramic sanitary ware, ceramic tableware, ceramic insulators, etc. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers refractory goods made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and other ceramic products; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic products. Refractory ceramic goods are an important category of this chapter, mainly used in high-temperature industrial environments. Heading 6903 covers other refractory ceramic goods (for example: retorts, crucibles, muffles, nozzles, plugs, supports, cupels, tubes, pipes, sheaths, rods, slide gates, etc.), other than those made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths (classified under 6901). These goods usually contain alumina, silica, silicon carbide, and other components, and have properties such as high-temperature resistance, thermal shock resistance, and corrosion resistance, and are widely used in metallurgy, glass, cement, chemicals, and other high-temperature industries. The first 2 digits 69: indicates Chapter 69, ceramic products. The 3rd-4th digits 03: indicates heading 6903, namely other refractory ceramic goods. The 5th-6th digits 20: indicates subheading 690320, namely refractory ceramic goods containing more than 50% by weight of alumina. Alumina content is the key indicator distinguishing 690320 from 690390: 690320 requires alumina content >50%, while 690390 covers other refractory ceramic goods (such as those mainly containing silica, silicon carbide, etc.). Therefore, 690320 specifically refers to high-alumina refractory goods. This product is classified under 690320 because its alumina content exceeds 50% by weight, meeting the description of subheading 690320. If the alumina content is ≤50%, it should be classified under 690390 (other refractory ceramic goods). If it is a refractory good made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, it is classified under 6901. In addition, if the product is a building brick or similar article, it may be classified under 6902. Therefore, alumina content is the core factor determining classification under 690320.
Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including refractory goods made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, ceramic building bricks, flooring blocks, roofing tiles, chimney pipes, ceramic sanitary ware, ceramic tableware, ceramic insulators, etc. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers refractory goods made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and other ceramic products; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic products. Refractory ceramic goods are an important category of this chapter, mainly used in high-temperature industrial environments.
Heading
Heading 6903 covers other refractory ceramic goods (for example: retorts, crucibles, muffles, nozzles, plugs, supports, cupels, tubes, pipes, sheaths, rods, slide gates, etc.), other than those made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths (classified under 6901). These goods usually contain alumina, silica, silicon carbide, and other components, and have properties such as high-temperature resistance, thermal shock resistance, and corrosion resistance, and are widely used in metallurgy, glass, cement, chemicals, and other high-temperature industries.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 69: indicates Chapter 69, ceramic products. The 3rd-4th digits 03: indicates heading 6903, namely other refractory ceramic goods. The 5th-6th digits 20: indicates subheading 690320, namely refractory ceramic goods containing more than 50% by weight of alumina. Alumina content is the key indicator distinguishing 690320 from 690390: 690320 requires alumina content >50%, while 690390 covers other refractory ceramic goods (such as those mainly containing silica, silicon carbide, etc.). Therefore, 690320 specifically refers to high-alumina refractory goods.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 690320 because its alumina content exceeds 50% by weight, meeting the description of subheading 690320. If the alumina content is ≤50%, it should be classified under 690390 (other refractory ceramic goods). If it is a refractory good made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, it is classified under 6901. In addition, if the product is a building brick or similar article, it may be classified under 6902. Therefore, alumina content is the core factor determining classification under 690320.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared product, such as high-alumina refractory brick, alumina crucible, etc. It should accurately reflect the product's attributes. Use: Explain the product's application scenario, such as for metallurgical furnace linings, glass kilns, chemical reactors, etc. Material: Main components and content, especially the percentage of alumina content, and whether it contains other components such as silica, silicon carbide, etc. Brand: The manufacturer's brand or trademark; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Specifications and Model: The product's dimensions, shape, model, etc., such as a standard brick of 230mm×114mm×65mm. Alumina Content: The percentage of alumina by weight; it must be clearly stated whether it exceeds 50%. Refractoriness: The product's refractory temperature, such as ≥1770℃. Processing Method: Forming and firing processes, such as pressing, casting, sintering, etc. Product Name: High-alumina refractory brick; Use: For steel smelting furnace lining; Material: Alumina content 75%, silica 20%, others 5%; Brand: None; Specifications and Model: 230mm×114mm×65mm; Alumina Content: 75%; Refractoriness: ≥1790℃; Processing Method: High-pressure forming followed by high-temperature sintering. Alumina content is not clearly stated; writing only "high alumina" may lead to classification errors. Confusing refractory goods with building ceramics, incorrectly classifying under 6902 or 6907. Ignoring the refractoriness indicator; refractoriness below 1500℃ may mean it is not a refractory good.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared product, such as high-alumina refractory brick, alumina crucible, etc. It should accurately reflect the product's attributes.
⚠️ Declaring only as "refractory goods", which is too general and does not reflect the specific type.
Use
Explain the product's application scenario, such as for metallurgical furnace linings, glass kilns, chemical reactors, etc.
⚠️ The use description is vague, such as "industrial use", without specifying the high-temperature environment.
Material
Main components and content, especially the percentage of alumina content, and whether it contains other components such as silica, silicon carbide, etc.
⚠️ Failure to provide alumina content, or writing only "refractory material", making it impossible to determine the subheading.
Brand
The manufacturer's brand or trademark; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Confusing the brand with the manufacturer, or incomplete filling.
Specifications and Model
The product's dimensions, shape, model, etc., such as a standard brick of 230mm×114mm×65mm.
⚠️ Incomplete specifications and model, writing only "standard brick" without specific dimensions.
Alumina Content
The percentage of alumina by weight; it must be clearly stated whether it exceeds 50%.
⚠️ Failure to provide a specific value, or writing only "high alumina" without a percentage.
Refractoriness
The product's refractory temperature, such as ≥1770℃.
⚠️ Failure to provide refractoriness, or providing an incorrect value.
Processing Method
Forming and firing processes, such as pressing, casting, sintering, etc.
⚠️ Unclear description of the processing method, such as "manufacturing" being too general.
Example： Product Name: High-alumina refractory brick; Use: For steel smelting furnace lining; Material: Alumina content 75%, silica 20%, others 5%; Brand: None; Specifications and Model: 230mm×114mm×65mm; Alumina Content: 75%; Refractoriness: ≥1790℃; Processing Method: High-pressure forming followed by high-temperature sintering.
Common Mistakes：
Alumina content is not clearly stated; writing only "high alumina" may lead to classification errors.
Confusing refractory goods with building ceramics, incorrectly classifying under 6902 or 6907.
Ignoring the refractoriness indicator; refractoriness below 1500℃ may mean it is not a refractory good.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the product is a refractory ceramic good; 2) whether the alumina content exceeds 50% by weight. If both are met, classify under 690320. Otherwise, if alumina content is ≤50%, classify under 690390; if it is a siliceous fossil meal product, classify under 6901; if it is a building brick, classify under 6902. At the same time, refractoriness (usually ≥1500℃) and use (high-temperature environment) must be considered. 6901 Refractory goods made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths: 6901 requires the raw material to be siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, such as diatomite, with high silica content; while 690320 is refractory goods with alumina content >50%, with different raw materials and components. 6902 Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods: 6902 covers refractory constructional goods, such as refractory bricks, but the alumina content may be ≤50% or >50%? In fact, 6902 is refractory bricks, etc., but subheading 690210 requires magnesia, calcia, etc. content >50%, while 690220 requires alumina, silica, etc. content >50%. If alumina >50% and it is a brick, it may be classified under 690220, not 690320. 690320 is other refractory ceramic goods, not for construction. 690390 Other refractory ceramic goods: 690390 covers other refractory ceramic goods with alumina content ≤50%, such as silicon carbide goods, zirconia goods, etc. If alumina >50%, classify under 690320. 6909 Ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses: 6909 covers technical ceramics, but usually does not require refractoriness, and alumina content may not exceed 50%. If it is refractory and alumina >50%, it should be classified under 690320. Is it clear that alumina content >50%? Is it a refractory ceramic good (refractoriness ≥1500℃)? Is it not a building brick, tile, etc. (otherwise consider 6902)? Is it not a siliceous fossil meal product (otherwise 6901)? Is it not laboratory or technical ceramics (otherwise 6909)?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the product is a refractory ceramic good; 2) whether the alumina content exceeds 50% by weight. If both are met, classify under 690320. Otherwise, if alumina content is ≤50%, classify under 690390; if it is a siliceous fossil meal product, classify under 6901; if it is a building brick, classify under 6902. At the same time, refractoriness (usually ≥1500℃) and use (high-temperature environment) must be considered.
Confused Codes：
6901 - Refractory goods made from siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths
6901 requires the raw material to be siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, such as diatomite, with high silica content; while 690320 is refractory goods with alumina content >50%, with different raw materials and components.
6902 - Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods
6902 covers refractory constructional goods, such as refractory bricks, but the alumina content may be ≤50% or >50%? In fact, 6902 is refractory bricks, etc., but subheading 690210 requires magnesia, calcia, etc. content >50%, while 690220 requires alumina, silica, etc. content >50%. If alumina >50% and it is a brick, it may be classified under 690220, not 690320. 690320 is other refractory ceramic goods, not for construction.
690390 - Other refractory ceramic goods
690390 covers other refractory ceramic goods with alumina content ≤50%, such as silicon carbide goods, zirconia goods, etc. If alumina >50%, classify under 690320.
6909 - Ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses
6909 covers technical ceramics, but usually does not require refractoriness, and alumina content may not exceed 50%. If it is refractory and alumina >50%, it should be classified under 690320.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clear that alumina content >50%?
✓ Is it a refractory ceramic good (refractoriness ≥1500℃)?
✓ Is it not a building brick, tile, etc. (otherwise consider 6902)?
✓ Is it not a siliceous fossil meal product (otherwise 6901)?
✓ Is it not laboratory or technical ceramics (otherwise 6909)?
❓ FAQ
How to check the tariff rate for HS code 690320? You can check import tariffs, VAT, consumption tax, etc. by entering HS code 690320 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that tariff rates may vary by country and trade agreement (such as RCEP), and the latest published rates should prevail. If the alumina content is exactly 50%, is it classified under 690320? Subheading 690320 requires "containing more than 50% by weight of alumina", so exactly 50% does not meet the requirement and should be classified under 690390. It is recommended to provide an accurate test report at the time of declaration to avoid disputes. What is the difference in classification between refractory bricks and high-alumina refractory goods? If refractory bricks are for construction, they are usually classified under 6902, where subheading 690220 requires alumina, silica, etc. content >50%. While 690320 is other refractory ceramic goods (not for construction), such as crucibles, tubes, rods, etc. If a refractory brick has alumina >50% and is not for construction, it may be classified under 690320. For refractory goods exported to the EU, is the HS code the same? The first 6 digits of the HS code are unified internationally, but the EU may use a 10-digit TARIC code. 690320 corresponds to the same first 6 digits in the EU, but the specific tariff rates and regulatory conditions need to be checked in the EU TARIC database. How is alumina content determined at the time of declaration? It should be based on the component test report provided by the manufacturer or a third-party test report, calculated by weight percentage. If it is a mixture, the content of each component must be clearly stated. Accurate values must be provided at the time of declaration; estimation is not allowed. Is refractoriness mandatory to provide? Refractoriness is a key indicator for determining whether a product is a refractory good, usually requiring ≥1500℃. It is recommended to provide it at the time of declaration to avoid classification disputes. If it cannot be provided, customs may require laboratory testing. What is the main difference between 690320 and 690390? The main difference is the alumina content: 690320 requires >50%, while 690390 is ≤50%. In addition, 690390 also includes other refractory ceramic goods, such as silicon carbide, zirconia, etc. Classification should be based on component content. How to declare small refractory items (such as crucibles) sold via cross-border e-commerce? They must be declared according to the actual product name, material, alumina content, etc. If alumina >50%, classify under 690320. Note the difference between personal items and commercial customs declaration; commercial declaration requires complete declaration elements.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for HS code 690320?
A: You can check import tariffs, VAT, consumption tax, etc. by entering HS code 690320 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that tariff rates may vary by country and trade agreement (such as RCEP), and the latest published rates should prevail.
Q: If the alumina content is exactly 50%, is it classified under 690320?
A: Subheading 690320 requires "containing more than 50% by weight of alumina", so exactly 50% does not meet the requirement and should be classified under 690390. It is recommended to provide an accurate test report at the time of declaration to avoid disputes.
Q: What is the difference in classification between refractory bricks and high-alumina refractory goods?
A: If refractory bricks are for construction, they are usually classified under 6902, where subheading 690220 requires alumina, silica, etc. content >50%. While 690320 is other refractory ceramic goods (not for construction), such as crucibles, tubes, rods, etc. If a refractory brick has alumina >50% and is not for construction, it may be classified under 690320.
Q: For refractory goods exported to the EU, is the HS code the same?
A: The first 6 digits of the HS code are unified internationally, but the EU may use a 10-digit TARIC code. 690320 corresponds to the same first 6 digits in the EU, but the specific tariff rates and regulatory conditions need to be checked in the EU TARIC database.
Q: How is alumina content determined at the time of declaration?
A: It should be based on the component test report provided by the manufacturer or a third-party test report, calculated by weight percentage. If it is a mixture, the content of each component must be clearly stated. Accurate values must be provided at the time of declaration; estimation is not allowed.
Q: Is refractoriness mandatory to provide?
A: Refractoriness is a key indicator for determining whether a product is a refractory good, usually requiring ≥1500℃. It is recommended to provide it at the time of declaration to avoid classification disputes. If it cannot be provided, customs may require laboratory testing.
Q: What is the main difference between 690320 and 690390?
A: The main difference is the alumina content: 690320 requires >50%, while 690390 is ≤50%. In addition, 690390 also includes other refractory ceramic goods, such as silicon carbide, zirconia, etc. Classification should be based on component content.
Q: How to declare small refractory items (such as crucibles) sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: They must be declared according to the actual product name, material, alumina content, etc. If alumina >50%, classify under 690320. Note the difference between personal items and commercial customs declaration; commercial declaration requires complete declaration elements.
⚠️ 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.