Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including ceramic articles made from various raw materials, such as siliceous fossil meals, similar siliceous earths and refractory ceramic products, ceramic building materials, laboratory ceramics, etc. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6911) covers siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths and refractory ceramic products; Subchapter II (6912-6914) covers other ceramic products. Refractory ceramic products refer to ceramic materials capable of withstanding high temperatures (usually exceeding 1500°C) while maintaining physical and chemical properties, widely used in high-temperature industries such as metallurgy, glass, and cement. Heading 6903 covers other refractory ceramic products (including ceramic fiber products), but excludes articles of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths (heading 6901) and refractory bricks, blocks, tiles, etc. (heading 6902). This heading mainly includes refractory ceramic crucibles, muffle furnaces, furnace tubes, sleeves, refractory ceramic fibers and articles thereof, refractory ceramic filters, etc. These products are typically used in industrial processes such as melting, casting, and heat treatment under high-temperature environments, and have excellent high-temperature resistance, thermal shock resistance, and corrosion resistance. Code 690390 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '69' represent Chapter 69 (ceramic products), covering all ceramic articles. Digits 3-4 '03' represent heading 6903, referring to other refractory ceramic products (such as crucibles, muffle furnaces, etc.), distinguished from 6901 (articles of siliceous fossil meals) and 6902 (refractory bricks, etc.). Digits 5-6 '90' represent subheading 690390, i.e., 'other' under heading 6903, meaning all refractory ceramic products other than those containing more than 50% of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths (subheading 690310) and those containing more than 50% of alumina or silica (subheading 690320). Therefore, 690390 covers refractory ceramic products with complex compositions or not elsewhere specified, such as those made of silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, etc. This commodity is classified under 690390 because it is a refractory ceramic product, but its composition does not meet the requirements of subheading 690310 (containing >50% siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths) or 690320 (containing >50% alumina or silica), so it is classified as 'other.' At the same time, it does not belong to 6901 (articles of siliceous fossil meals) or 6902 (refractory bricks, etc.), nor does it belong to glass products of Chapter 70 or machine parts of Chapter 84 (if classified as machine parts, it may be classified as parts). Therefore, 690390 is a residual subheading applicable to refractory ceramic products not elsewhere specified.
Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including ceramic articles made from various raw materials, such as siliceous fossil meals, similar siliceous earths and refractory ceramic products, ceramic building materials, laboratory ceramics, etc. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6911) covers siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths and refractory ceramic products; Subchapter II (6912-6914) covers other ceramic products. Refractory ceramic products refer to ceramic materials capable of withstanding high temperatures (usually exceeding 1500°C) while maintaining physical and chemical properties, widely used in high-temperature industries such as metallurgy, glass, and cement.
Heading
Heading 6903 covers other refractory ceramic products (including ceramic fiber products), but excludes articles of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths (heading 6901) and refractory bricks, blocks, tiles, etc. (heading 6902). This heading mainly includes refractory ceramic crucibles, muffle furnaces, furnace tubes, sleeves, refractory ceramic fibers and articles thereof, refractory ceramic filters, etc. These products are typically used in industrial processes such as melting, casting, and heat treatment under high-temperature environments, and have excellent high-temperature resistance, thermal shock resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Digit Breakdown
Code 690390 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '69' represent Chapter 69 (ceramic products), covering all ceramic articles. Digits 3-4 '03' represent heading 6903, referring to other refractory ceramic products (such as crucibles, muffle furnaces, etc.), distinguished from 6901 (articles of siliceous fossil meals) and 6902 (refractory bricks, etc.). Digits 5-6 '90' represent subheading 690390, i.e., 'other' under heading 6903, meaning all refractory ceramic products other than those containing more than 50% of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths (subheading 690310) and those containing more than 50% of alumina or silica (subheading 690320). Therefore, 690390 covers refractory ceramic products with complex compositions or not elsewhere specified, such as those made of silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, etc.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 690390 because it is a refractory ceramic product, but its composition does not meet the requirements of subheading 690310 (containing >50% siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths) or 690320 (containing >50% alumina or silica), so it is classified as 'other.' At the same time, it does not belong to 6901 (articles of siliceous fossil meals) or 6902 (refractory bricks, etc.), nor does it belong to glass products of Chapter 70 or machine parts of Chapter 84 (if classified as machine parts, it may be classified as parts). Therefore, 690390 is a residual subheading applicable to refractory ceramic products not elsewhere specified.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Fill in the standard name of the commodity, which should be detailed and specific, such as 'refractory ceramic crucible,' 'refractory ceramic fiber board,' etc. Material: State the main components, such as alumina, silicon carbide, zirconia, etc., as well as their percentage content. Use: Describe the specific use, such as 'for metal melting,' 'for high-temperature furnace lining,' etc. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in 'none.' Model: Fill in the product model or specifications, such as size, shape, etc. Refractoriness: Indicate the refractoriness of the product, such as '≥1500°C.' Processing Method: Describe the forming process, such as 'sintering,' 'fusion casting,' etc. Product Name: Refractory ceramic crucible; Material: Silicon carbide 85%, alumina 10%, others 5%; Use: For aluminum alloy melting furnace; Brand: None; Model: SC-100; Refractoriness: 1600°C; Processing Method: Isostatic pressing followed by sintering. Failing to indicate component content, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to 690310 or 690320. Mistakenly classifying refractory ceramic products under 6902 (refractory bricks) or 6901 (articles of siliceous fossil meals). Ignoring the refractoriness indicator, which may lead to misclassification as ordinary ceramic products.
Product Name
Fill in the standard name of the commodity, which should be detailed and specific, such as 'refractory ceramic crucible,' 'refractory ceramic fiber board,' etc.
⚠️ Writing only 'ceramic products' or 'refractory materials,' which is too general.
Material
State the main components, such as alumina, silicon carbide, zirconia, etc., as well as their percentage content.
⚠️ Failing to indicate content, or incorrectly writing 'ceramic' without specifying the specific components.
Use
Describe the specific use, such as 'for metal melting,' 'for high-temperature furnace lining,' etc.
⚠️ The use description is not specific, such as 'industrial use.'
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in 'none.'
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the trader's name as the brand.
Model
Fill in the product model or specifications, such as size, shape, etc.
⚠️ Confusing model with specifications, or failing to fill it in.
Refractoriness
Indicate the refractoriness of the product, such as '≥1500°C.'
⚠️ Failing to provide refractoriness, or providing an incorrect value.
Processing Method
Describe the forming process, such as 'sintering,' 'fusion casting,' etc.
⚠️ Ignoring the processing method, leading to classification disputes.
Failing to indicate component content, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to 690310 or 690320.
Mistakenly classifying refractory ceramic products under 6902 (refractory bricks) or 6901 (articles of siliceous fossil meals).
Ignoring the refractoriness indicator, which may lead to misclassification as ordinary ceramic products.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is a refractory ceramic product, i.e., refractoriness ≥1500°C; 2) whether the composition contains >50% siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths (classified under 690310), or >50% alumina or silica (classified under 690320), otherwise classified under 690390; 3) whether it is a specifically named commodity of 6901 or 6902. In addition, consideration should be given to whether it is classified as a machine part (e.g., Chapter 84) or electrical part (Chapter 85). If it is a dedicated part, it may be classified according to the host machine. 690310 Refractory ceramic products containing >50% siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths: The content of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths in the composition exceeds 50%, whereas 690390 does not contain them or the content is ≤50%. 690320 Refractory ceramic products containing >50% alumina or silica: The content of alumina or silica in the composition exceeds 50%, whereas 690390 does not contain them or the content is ≤50%. 690210 Refractory bricks, etc., containing magnesium, calcium, or chromium: 690210 covers refractory bricks, blocks, tiles, etc., and contains specific elements; 690390 covers refractory ceramic products of other shapes. 690220 Refractory bricks, etc., containing >50% alumina or silica: Also refractory bricks, etc., but with different composition; 690390 covers other products. 690290 Other refractory bricks, etc.: 690290 covers refractory bricks, etc., whereas 690390 covers other refractory ceramic products (such as crucibles, tubes, etc.). Is the refractoriness confirmed to be ≥1500°C? Is the content of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths in the composition >50%? Is the content of alumina or silica in the composition >50%? Does it belong to refractory bricks, blocks, tiles, etc. (6902)? Does it need to be classified according to the host machine as a machine or electrical part?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is a refractory ceramic product, i.e., refractoriness ≥1500°C; 2) whether the composition contains >50% siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths (classified under 690310), or >50% alumina or silica (classified under 690320), otherwise classified under 690390; 3) whether it is a specifically named commodity of 6901 or 6902. In addition, consideration should be given to whether it is classified as a machine part (e.g., Chapter 84) or electrical part (Chapter 85). If it is a dedicated part, it may be classified according to the host machine.
Confused Codes：
690310 - Refractory ceramic products containing >50% siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths
The content of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths in the composition exceeds 50%, whereas 690390 does not contain them or the content is ≤50%.
690320 - Refractory ceramic products containing >50% alumina or silica
The content of alumina or silica in the composition exceeds 50%, whereas 690390 does not contain them or the content is ≤50%.
690210 - Refractory bricks, etc., containing magnesium, calcium, or chromium
690210 covers refractory bricks, blocks, tiles, etc., and contains specific elements; 690390 covers refractory ceramic products of other shapes.
690220 - Refractory bricks, etc., containing >50% alumina or silica
Also refractory bricks, etc., but with different composition; 690390 covers other products.
690290 - Other refractory bricks, etc.
690290 covers refractory bricks, etc., whereas 690390 covers other refractory ceramic products (such as crucibles, tubes, etc.).
Self-Check：
✓ Is the refractoriness confirmed to be ≥1500°C?
✓ Is the content of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths in the composition >50%?
✓ Is the content of alumina or silica in the composition >50%?
✓ Does it belong to refractory bricks, blocks, tiles, etc. (6902)?
✓ Does it need to be classified according to the host machine as a machine or electrical part?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a ceramic product is a refractory ceramic product? Refractory ceramic products generally refer to ceramic products with a refractoriness of not less than 1500°C. This can be determined by checking the refractoriness indicator in the product technical parameters, or by its use (such as for high-temperature furnaces, melting, etc.). If uncertain, refer to customs classification decisions or consult professional institutions. What is the main difference between 690390 and 690320? 690320 requires that the product contains more than 50% alumina or silica, while 690390 covers other refractory ceramic products, i.e., those with alumina or silica content not exceeding 50%, or not containing these components. Therefore, composition analysis is key. Which code should refractory ceramic fiber products be classified under? Refractory ceramic fiber products are usually classified under 690390 because their composition is complex and may contain alumina, silica, etc. However, if the alumina or silica content exceeds 50%, they may be classified under 690320. Judgment should be based on the actual composition. If a refractory ceramic product is a machine part, how should it be classified? If the product is a part dedicated to a certain machine, and that machine belongs to Chapter 84 or Chapter 85, it may be classified as a machine part (such as 8406, 8485, etc.). However, if it is an independent ceramic product, it is still classified under 6903. Judgment should be based on General Rule of Interpretation 3 (b). How should the component content be filled in during declaration? The main components and their percentages should be filled in, such as 'alumina 60%, silica 30%, others 10%.' If the content is uncertain, a test report can be provided. Note: If the alumina or silica content exceeds 50%, it may affect subheading classification. What is the export tax rebate rate for 690390? The export tax rebate rate is subject to national policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the General Administration of Customs or the tax bureau's official website, or use professional tariff query tools. Typically, the rebate rate for refractory ceramic products ranges from 0-13%. How to query the regulatory conditions for 690390? Regulatory conditions can be queried through the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' or the General Administration of Customs website. Typically, refractory ceramic products have no special regulatory conditions, but may involve export licenses or commodity inspection requirements, which should be confirmed based on the specific commodity. If a commodity contains both siliceous fossil meals and alumina, how should it be classified? First determine whether the content of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths exceeds 50%; if so, classify under 690310. Otherwise, determine whether the content of alumina or silica exceeds 50%; if so, classify under 690320. If neither exceeds 50%, classify under 690390.
Q: How to determine whether a ceramic product is a refractory ceramic product?
A: Refractory ceramic products generally refer to ceramic products with a refractoriness of not less than 1500°C. This can be determined by checking the refractoriness indicator in the product technical parameters, or by its use (such as for high-temperature furnaces, melting, etc.). If uncertain, refer to customs classification decisions or consult professional institutions.
Q: What is the main difference between 690390 and 690320?
A: 690320 requires that the product contains more than 50% alumina or silica, while 690390 covers other refractory ceramic products, i.e., those with alumina or silica content not exceeding 50%, or not containing these components. Therefore, composition analysis is key.
Q: Which code should refractory ceramic fiber products be classified under?
A: Refractory ceramic fiber products are usually classified under 690390 because their composition is complex and may contain alumina, silica, etc. However, if the alumina or silica content exceeds 50%, they may be classified under 690320. Judgment should be based on the actual composition.
Q: If a refractory ceramic product is a machine part, how should it be classified?
A: If the product is a part dedicated to a certain machine, and that machine belongs to Chapter 84 or Chapter 85, it may be classified as a machine part (such as 8406, 8485, etc.). However, if it is an independent ceramic product, it is still classified under 6903. Judgment should be based on General Rule of Interpretation 3 (b).
Q: How should the component content be filled in during declaration?
A: The main components and their percentages should be filled in, such as 'alumina 60%, silica 30%, others 10%.' If the content is uncertain, a test report can be provided. Note: If the alumina or silica content exceeds 50%, it may affect subheading classification.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 690390?
A: The export tax rebate rate is subject to national policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the General Administration of Customs or the tax bureau's official website, or use professional tariff query tools. Typically, the rebate rate for refractory ceramic products ranges from 0-13%.
Q: How to query the regulatory conditions for 690390?
A: Regulatory conditions can be queried through the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' or the General Administration of Customs website. Typically, refractory ceramic products have no special regulatory conditions, but may involve export licenses or commodity inspection requirements, which should be confirmed based on the specific commodity.
Q: If a commodity contains both siliceous fossil meals and alumina, how should it be classified?
A: First determine whether the content of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths exceeds 50%; if so, classify under 690310. Otherwise, determine whether the content of alumina or silica exceeds 50%; if so, classify under 690320. If neither exceeds 50%, classify under 690390.
⚠️ 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.