Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including refractory ceramic goods made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, other refractory ceramic goods, ceramic building bricks, tiles, blocks and similar articles, ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, ceramic ware for agricultural purposes, ceramic ware for conveying or packing goods, and other ceramic ware. This chapter does not include glass, glass-ceramics, artificial graphite and other articles. Ceramic tiles are an important category in this chapter, further subdivided by water absorption rate, use, whether glazed, etc. Heading 6908 covers glazed ceramic paving tiles, facing tiles, mosaic tiles and similar articles, whether or not backed. Specifically includes: tiles with a water absorption rate of ≤0.5% (6908.10), tiles with a water absorption rate of >0.5% but ≤10% (6908.20), and other glazed ceramic tiles (6908.90). Products under this heading are mainly used for wall and floor decoration, serving both decorative and functional purposes. Note the distinction from 6907 (unglazed ceramic tiles); glazing is the key feature for classification under this heading. The first 2 digits "69" represent Chapter 69 "Ceramic products", covering all ceramic products but excluding glass, glass-ceramics, etc. The 3rd-4th digits "08" represent heading 6908 "Glazed ceramic paving tiles, facing tiles, mosaic tiles and similar articles", which is further subdivided by water absorption rate. The 5th-6th digits "90" represent subheading 6908.90 "Other glazed ceramic tiles", i.e., glazed ceramic tiles other than those with a water absorption rate of ≤0.5% and >0.5% but ≤10%. This usually refers to glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of >10%, such as common glazed interior wall tiles. Therefore, the complete meaning of 690890 is: other glazed ceramic tiles, i.e., glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate exceeding 10%. The product is a ceramic tile and has been glazed, so it is classified under 6908 rather than 6907 (unglazed ceramic tiles). Under 6908, classification is based on water absorption rate: ≤0.5% goes to 6908.10, >0.5% and ≤10% goes to 6908.20, and others (i.e., >10%) go to 6908.90. If the water absorption rate is outside this range or unclear, it may be classified under other headings. In addition, if the tile has special functions (such as refractory or laboratory use), it may be classified under other chapters.
Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including refractory ceramic goods made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, other refractory ceramic goods, ceramic building bricks, tiles, blocks and similar articles, ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, ceramic ware for agricultural purposes, ceramic ware for conveying or packing goods, and other ceramic ware. This chapter does not include glass, glass-ceramics, artificial graphite and other articles. Ceramic tiles are an important category in this chapter, further subdivided by water absorption rate, use, whether glazed, etc.
Heading
Heading 6908 covers glazed ceramic paving tiles, facing tiles, mosaic tiles and similar articles, whether or not backed. Specifically includes: tiles with a water absorption rate of ≤0.5% (6908.10), tiles with a water absorption rate of >0.5% but ≤10% (6908.20), and other glazed ceramic tiles (6908.90). Products under this heading are mainly used for wall and floor decoration, serving both decorative and functional purposes. Note the distinction from 6907 (unglazed ceramic tiles); glazing is the key feature for classification under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits "69" represent Chapter 69 "Ceramic products", covering all ceramic products but excluding glass, glass-ceramics, etc. The 3rd-4th digits "08" represent heading 6908 "Glazed ceramic paving tiles, facing tiles, mosaic tiles and similar articles", which is further subdivided by water absorption rate. The 5th-6th digits "90" represent subheading 6908.90 "Other glazed ceramic tiles", i.e., glazed ceramic tiles other than those with a water absorption rate of ≤0.5% and >0.5% but ≤10%. This usually refers to glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of >10%, such as common glazed interior wall tiles. Therefore, the complete meaning of 690890 is: other glazed ceramic tiles, i.e., glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate exceeding 10%.
Classification Basis
The product is a ceramic tile and has been glazed, so it is classified under 6908 rather than 6907 (unglazed ceramic tiles). Under 6908, classification is based on water absorption rate: ≤0.5% goes to 6908.10, >0.5% and ≤10% goes to 6908.20, and others (i.e., >10%) go to 6908.90. If the water absorption rate is outside this range or unclear, it may be classified under other headings. In addition, if the tile has special functions (such as refractory or laboratory use), it may be classified under other chapters.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "glazed ceramic tiles", "glazed ceramic floor tiles", etc. Material: Describe the material composition of the ceramic tile, such as "ceramic", "porcelain", "earthenware", etc., and indicate whether it is glazed. Water absorption rate: Declare the water absorption rate value of the ceramic tile, expressed as a percentage. This is the key indicator for classification under subheadings of 6908. Use: Describe the use of the ceramic tile, such as "wall tile", "floor tile", "paving tile", etc. Specifications and dimensions: Declare the dimensions of the ceramic tile, such as length, width, thickness, etc., usually expressed in millimeters or centimeters. Brand: Declare the brand name of the ceramic tile. If there is no brand, indicate "no brand". Model: Declare the model or article number of the ceramic tile for easy identification. Product name: Glazed ceramic interior wall tile; Material: Earthenware, glazed; Water absorption rate: 12%; Use: Indoor wall decoration; Specifications and dimensions: 300mm×600mm×9.5mm; Brand: No brand; Model: W123. Inaccurate declaration of water absorption rate, leading to incorrect subheading classification. Failure to indicate glazing, which may result in classification under 6907. Use description too broad, such as "for construction", without distinguishing wall or floor. Inconsistent units for specifications and dimensions, causing confusion in declaration. Non-standard brand and model information, affecting customs review.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "glazed ceramic tiles", "glazed ceramic floor tiles", etc.
⚠️ Writing only "tiles", which is too general and does not reflect the glazed feature.
Material
Describe the material composition of the ceramic tile, such as "ceramic", "porcelain", "earthenware", etc., and indicate whether it is glazed.
⚠️ Confusing "ceramic" with "porcelain", or failing to indicate glazing.
Water absorption rate
Declare the water absorption rate value of the ceramic tile, expressed as a percentage. This is the key indicator for classification under subheadings of 6908.
⚠️ Failure to provide the water absorption rate or providing an incorrect value, leading to classification errors.
Use
Describe the use of the ceramic tile, such as "wall tile", "floor tile", "paving tile", etc.
⚠️ Unclear use description, such as writing only "for construction".
Specifications and dimensions
Declare the dimensions of the ceramic tile, such as length, width, thickness, etc., usually expressed in millimeters or centimeters.
⚠️ Failure to provide complete dimensions or incorrect units.
Brand
Declare the brand name of the ceramic tile. If there is no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer.
Model
Declare the model or article number of the ceramic tile for easy identification.
⚠️ Non-standard or missing model information.
Example： Product name: Glazed ceramic interior wall tile; Material: Earthenware, glazed; Water absorption rate: 12%; Use: Indoor wall decoration; Specifications and dimensions: 300mm×600mm×9.5mm; Brand: No brand; Model: W123.
Common Mistakes：
Inaccurate declaration of water absorption rate, leading to incorrect subheading classification.
Failure to indicate glazing, which may result in classification under 6907.
Use description too broad, such as "for construction", without distinguishing wall or floor.
Inconsistent units for specifications and dimensions, causing confusion in declaration.
Non-standard brand and model information, affecting customs review.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the product is a ceramic tile; 2. Whether it has been glazed; 3. The water absorption rate value. Glazing is a necessary condition for classification under 6908, and the water absorption rate determines the specific subheading. Water absorption rate ≤0.5% goes to 6908.10, >0.5% and ≤10% goes to 6908.20, >10% goes to 6908.90. If the water absorption rate is unclear, refer to product standards or test reports. In addition, if the tile has special functions (such as refractory or laboratory use), it may be classified under other chapters. 690710 Unglazed ceramic tiles: 690710 is unglazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of ≤0.5%; 690890 is other glazed ceramic tiles. The core difference is whether it is glazed. 690810 Glazed ceramic tiles (water absorption rate ≤0.5%): 690810 is glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of ≤0.5%; 690890 is glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of >10%. The difference is the water absorption rate. 690820 Glazed ceramic tiles (water absorption rate >0.5% and ≤10%): 690820 is glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of >0.5% and ≤10%; 690890 is glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of >10%. The difference is the water absorption rate. 690590 Other ceramic articles: 690590 is other ceramic articles, such as ceramic pipes, troughs, etc.; 690890 is specifically glazed ceramic tiles. The use and shape are different. Is it confirmed that the product is a ceramic tile? Is it confirmed that it has been glazed? Is an accurate water absorption rate value provided? Is the use clearly for paving or facing? Have the specifications, dimensions, brand and model been checked?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the product is a ceramic tile; 2. Whether it has been glazed; 3. The water absorption rate value. Glazing is a necessary condition for classification under 6908, and the water absorption rate determines the specific subheading. Water absorption rate ≤0.5% goes to 6908.10, >0.5% and ≤10% goes to 6908.20, >10% goes to 6908.90. If the water absorption rate is unclear, refer to product standards or test reports. In addition, if the tile has special functions (such as refractory or laboratory use), it may be classified under other chapters.
Confused Codes：
690710 - Unglazed ceramic tiles
690710 is unglazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of ≤0.5%; 690890 is other glazed ceramic tiles. The core difference is whether it is glazed.
690810 is glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of ≤0.5%; 690890 is glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of >10%. The difference is the water absorption rate.
690820 is glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of >0.5% and ≤10%; 690890 is glazed ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of >10%. The difference is the water absorption rate.
690590 - Other ceramic articles
690590 is other ceramic articles, such as ceramic pipes, troughs, etc.; 690890 is specifically glazed ceramic tiles. The use and shape are different.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed that the product is a ceramic tile?
✓ Is it confirmed that it has been glazed?
✓ Is an accurate water absorption rate value provided?
✓ Is the use clearly for paving or facing?
✓ Have the specifications, dimensions, brand and model been checked?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 690890? You can check the latest import tariff, value-added tax, consumption tax and other rates by entering HS code 690890 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that rates may vary by country, trade agreement, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to rely on official publications. How is the water absorption rate of ceramic tiles determined? The water absorption rate is usually determined according to ISO 10545-3 or GB/T 3810.3 standards. The tile sample is dried to constant weight, soaked in water for a certain period, and the percentage increase in weight is measured. Enterprises can entrust testing institutions to issue reports as a basis for classification. What is the difference in classification between glazed ceramic tiles and unglazed ceramic tiles? Glazed ceramic tiles are classified under 6908, and unglazed ceramic tiles are classified under 6907. Glazing refers to applying glaze to the tile surface and firing it, giving it smooth, waterproof, decorative and other properties. Classification should be determined based on the actual production process of the product. If the water absorption rate of a ceramic tile is exactly 10%, which subheading should it be classified under? A water absorption rate of 10% falls within the range of ">0.5% and ≤10%", so it should be classified under 6908.20. 6908.90 applies to tiles with a water absorption rate of >10%. Therefore, 10% should be classified under 690820. What are the consequences of omitting the water absorption rate during declaration? Omitting the water absorption rate may prevent customs from determining the specific subheading, thereby affecting classification, applicable tariff rates and regulatory conditions. It may result in a requirement for supplementary declaration, inspection, or even penalties for inaccurate declaration. It is recommended to declare truthfully and completely. How should ceramic tiles with multiple specifications be declared? If the same batch of goods has multiple specifications, they should be declared separately, listing the dimensions, quantity, unit price, etc. of each specification. If the specification differences do not affect classification, they may be declared together, but this should be explained in the remarks. What regulatory documents are required for importing ceramic tiles? Basic documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading are usually required. Some countries may require radioactivity test reports, CCC certification, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs requirements. You can check the Import and Export Tariff or consult a customs broker. How should HS codes be selected for ceramic tiles sold via cross-border e-commerce? For ceramic tiles sold via cross-border e-commerce, the HS code should be selected based on the actual product attributes (whether glazed, water absorption rate, use). If for personal use, postal tax may apply; if for commercial sale, declaration under general trade is required. It is recommended to consult professional customs declarants.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 690890?
A: You can check the latest import tariff, value-added tax, consumption tax and other rates by entering HS code 690890 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that rates may vary by country, trade agreement, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to rely on official publications.
Q: How is the water absorption rate of ceramic tiles determined?
A: The water absorption rate is usually determined according to ISO 10545-3 or GB/T 3810.3 standards. The tile sample is dried to constant weight, soaked in water for a certain period, and the percentage increase in weight is measured. Enterprises can entrust testing institutions to issue reports as a basis for classification.
Q: What is the difference in classification between glazed ceramic tiles and unglazed ceramic tiles?
A: Glazed ceramic tiles are classified under 6908, and unglazed ceramic tiles are classified under 6907. Glazing refers to applying glaze to the tile surface and firing it, giving it smooth, waterproof, decorative and other properties. Classification should be determined based on the actual production process of the product.
Q: If the water absorption rate of a ceramic tile is exactly 10%, which subheading should it be classified under?
A: A water absorption rate of 10% falls within the range of ">0.5% and ≤10%", so it should be classified under 6908.20. 6908.90 applies to tiles with a water absorption rate of >10%. Therefore, 10% should be classified under 690820.
Q: What are the consequences of omitting the water absorption rate during declaration?
A: Omitting the water absorption rate may prevent customs from determining the specific subheading, thereby affecting classification, applicable tariff rates and regulatory conditions. It may result in a requirement for supplementary declaration, inspection, or even penalties for inaccurate declaration. It is recommended to declare truthfully and completely.
Q: How should ceramic tiles with multiple specifications be declared?
A: If the same batch of goods has multiple specifications, they should be declared separately, listing the dimensions, quantity, unit price, etc. of each specification. If the specification differences do not affect classification, they may be declared together, but this should be explained in the remarks.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing ceramic tiles?
A: Basic documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading are usually required. Some countries may require radioactivity test reports, CCC certification, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs requirements. You can check the Import and Export Tariff or consult a customs broker.
Q: How should HS codes be selected for ceramic tiles sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: For ceramic tiles sold via cross-border e-commerce, the HS code should be selected based on the actual product attributes (whether glazed, water absorption rate, use). If for personal use, postal tax may apply; if for commercial sale, declaration under general trade is required. It is recommended to consult professional customs declarants.
⚠️ 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.