HS Code: 690510
Ceramic roof tiles
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including various ceramic articles made by forming, firing, and other processes, such as bricks, tiles, tableware, sanitary ware, insulators, etc. This chapter does not include glass, cement products, natural stone products, etc. Ceramic products are usually made from inorganic non-metallic materials such as clay and kaolin as raw materials, fired at high temperatures, and have properties such as high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance.
Heading
Heading 6905 covers ceramic building products, including roof tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and other ceramic building products. These products are mainly used for roofs, walls, chimneys, and other parts of buildings, and have functions such as waterproofing, decoration, and ventilation. This heading does not include ceramic tiles (6907), ceramic pipes (6906), etc.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 69 represent Chapter 69 ceramic products. The 3rd-4th digits 05 represent heading 6905, specifically referring to ceramic building products such as roof tiles and chimney pots. The 5th-6th digits 10 represent subheading 690510, specifically ceramic roof tiles. Therefore, the complete meaning of 690510 is ceramic roof tiles, namely ceramic tiles used for building roofs, usually with corrugated, flat, or other shapes, used for waterproofing and decoration.
Classification Basis
Ceramic roof tiles belong to ceramic building products and are specially used for roofs, so they are classified under 6905.10. They are different from ceramic tiles (6907) used for floors or walls, different from ceramic pipes (6906) used for piping, and also different from sanitary ceramics (6910) or tableware (6911). Their core feature is roof covering material, and the material is ceramic.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product name
Fill in the Chinese and foreign language names of the commodity, which should be consistent with the invoice and contract, such as “ceramic roof tiles” or “Ceramic roof tiles”.
⚠️ Mistakenly written as “tiles” or “roofing sheets”, without clearly indicating the ceramic material.
Material
Explain the specific type of ceramic, such as earthenware, porcelain, stoneware, etc., as well as the main components such as clay, kaolin, etc.
⚠️ Only writing “ceramic”, without distinguishing earthenware from porcelain, leading to classification disputes.
Use
Clearly state that it is used for building roof covering, such as “used for waterproofing and decoration of residential roofs”.
⚠️ Mistakenly written as “wall decoration” or “floor laying”, leading to classification under other tariff codes.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in “none”.
⚠️ Omitting or incorrectly filling in the brand, affecting customs valuation.
Model
Fill in the product model or specification, such as “corrugated tile W-100”.
⚠️ The model does not match the actual product, causing abnormal inspection.
Dimensions
Provide the dimensions of a single tile, such as length, width, and thickness, in millimeters.
⚠️ Failure to provide dimensions or incorrect units, affecting classification.
Water absorption
A key indicator of ceramic tiles, affecting classification; a percentage must be provided.
⚠️ Ignoring water absorption, leading to confusion with ceramic tiles.
Example:
Customs declaration example: Product name: Ceramic roof tiles Material: Earthenware, made of clay Use: Building roof covering Brand: None Model: W-100 Dimensions: Length 300mm × Width 200mm × Thickness 15mm Water absorption: 6% Remarks: Unglazed surface
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1. The material is ceramic; 2. The use is building roof covering; 3. The shape is usually corrugated, flat, or other shapes suitable for roof laying; 4. Physical indicators such as water absorption conform to the characteristics of ceramic tiles. Reference must be made to the Import and Export Tariff and notes to ensure compliance with the description of 6905.10.
Confused Codes:
6907 - Ceramic tiles
6907 is ceramic tiles, used for floors or walls, with water absorption usually low (≤0.5%), while 690510 is roof tiles, with higher water absorption and different use.
6906 - Ceramic pipes
6906 is ceramic pipes, used for conveying fluids, tubular in shape, while 690510 is tiles, flat or corrugated in shape, used for roofs.
6910 - Ceramic sanitary ware
6910 is sanitary ceramics, such as toilets and washbasins, used for bathrooms, while 690510 is building roof tiles, with a completely different function.
6810 - Cement tiles
6810 is cement products, not ceramic material, while 690510 must be ceramic material, which can be distinguished by material.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How are ceramic roof tiles and ceramic tiles distinguished in HS codes?
A: Ceramic roof tiles are classified under 690510, and ceramic tiles under 6907. The main difference lies in use: roof tiles are used for building roof covering, while ceramic tiles are used for floors or walls. In addition, water absorption is also a key indicator; ceramic tiles usually have lower water absorption (≤0.5%), while roof tiles have higher water absorption.
Q: When declaring ceramic roof tiles, is water absorption mandatory?
A: Yes, water absorption is an important indicator for distinguishing earthenware from porcelain and is also a key basis for customs classification. An accurate water absorption percentage should be provided during declaration to avoid classification disputes.
Q: How should the material of ceramic roof tiles be filled in?
A: The specific ceramic type should be filled in, such as earthenware, porcelain, or stoneware, and the main components such as clay and kaolin should be noted. Writing only “ceramic” may not be detailed enough and can easily raise questions.
Q: If ceramic roof tiles have a glazed surface, will it affect classification?
A: No. Whether glazed or not, as long as the material is ceramic and they are used for roofs, they are classified under 690510. However, “glazed” or “unglazed” should be noted during declaration so that customs can understand the product characteristics.
Q: Do the dimensions of ceramic roof tiles affect classification?
A: Dimensions themselves do not affect classification, but accurate dimensions should be provided during declaration for customs inspection. Abnormal dimensions may raise questions about use, so they must be consistent with the actual product.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for ceramic roof tiles?
A: Tariff rates change, so it is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, the China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. When checking, confirm that the HS code is 690510 and pay attention to factors such as origin and trade agreements.
Q: Can ceramic roof tiles be classified under 6905.90?
A: No. 6905.90 is other ceramic building products, while 6905.10 specifically refers to roof tiles. As long as the product meets the definition of roof tiles, it must be classified under 6905.10.
Q: What should be noted when declaring ceramic roof tiles for cross-border e-commerce sales?
A: Attention should be paid to complete declaration elements, especially material, use, and water absorption. At the same time, ensure the product complies with the standards of the importing country, such as dimensions and fire rating. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker in advance to avoid return or fines.
⚠️ 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.