Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including articles made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, as well as refractory ceramic products and other ceramic products. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers articles of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and refractory ceramic products; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic products. Laboratory ceramic ware generally falls under Subchapter II, but note that classification of refractory ceramics takes priority. Heading 6909 covers ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses; ceramic troughs, tubs and similar receptacles (used in agriculture, transport or packing of goods); and ceramic pumps, valves, etc. Ceramic products under this heading must possess chemical corrosion resistance, heat resistance and other properties, and be intended for professional rather than household use. Laboratory ceramic ware includes crucibles, evaporating dishes, mortars, etc. First 2 digits 69: indicates Chapter 69, ceramic products. Digits 3-4, 09: indicates heading 6909, ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses; ceramic troughs, tubs and similar receptacles; ceramic pumps, valves, etc. Digits 5-6, 11: indicates subheading 690911, ceramic ware for laboratory use. This subheading is further limited to laboratory-specific use, distinguished from industrial or other technical uses. Coding hierarchy: chapter -> heading -> subheading, progressively refined. The goods are ceramic ware for laboratory use, possessing chemical corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance and other properties, specifically designed for laboratory environments. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, they should be classified under heading 6909, as it explicitly lists ceramic ware for laboratory use. They are not classified under 6911 (household ceramics) or 6914 (other ceramics), as these headings cover non-technical uses; nor under 6903 (refractory ceramics), unless they simultaneously meet the definition of refractory materials and are used in laboratories.
Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including articles made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, as well as refractory ceramic products and other ceramic products. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers articles of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and refractory ceramic products; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic products. Laboratory ceramic ware generally falls under Subchapter II, but note that classification of refractory ceramics takes priority.
Heading
Heading 6909 covers ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses; ceramic troughs, tubs and similar receptacles (used in agriculture, transport or packing of goods); and ceramic pumps, valves, etc. Ceramic products under this heading must possess chemical corrosion resistance, heat resistance and other properties, and be intended for professional rather than household use. Laboratory ceramic ware includes crucibles, evaporating dishes, mortars, etc.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 69: indicates Chapter 69, ceramic products. Digits 3-4, 09: indicates heading 6909, ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses; ceramic troughs, tubs and similar receptacles; ceramic pumps, valves, etc. Digits 5-6, 11: indicates subheading 690911, ceramic ware for laboratory use. This subheading is further limited to laboratory-specific use, distinguished from industrial or other technical uses. Coding hierarchy: chapter -> heading -> subheading, progressively refined.
Classification Basis
The goods are ceramic ware for laboratory use, possessing chemical corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance and other properties, specifically designed for laboratory environments. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, they should be classified under heading 6909, as it explicitly lists ceramic ware for laboratory use. They are not classified under 6911 (household ceramics) or 6914 (other ceramics), as these headings cover non-technical uses; nor under 6903 (refractory ceramics), unless they simultaneously meet the definition of refractory materials and are used in laboratories.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as ceramic crucible, ceramic evaporating dish, etc., which must be consistent with the actual product. Use: Clearly declare as for laboratory use, such as chemical experiments, material analysis, etc., to distinguish from industrial or household use. Material: Specify the type of ceramic, such as alumina ceramics, quartz ceramics, etc., and whether it is refractory. Brand: Declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'None'. Model: Declare the product model for easy identification. Specifications and Dimensions: Such as capacity, diameter, etc., which affect classification and tariff rates. Refractory Temperature: If applicable, declare the refractory temperature to determine whether it qualifies as refractory ceramic. Product Name: Ceramic Crucible; Use: For laboratory chemical analysis; Material: Alumina ceramics; Brand: None; Model: CR-100; Specifications and Dimensions: Capacity 50ml, diameter 50mm; Refractory Temperature: 1600°C. Mistakenly classifying laboratory ceramic ware as household ceramics (6911), ignoring its specialized nature. Failing to declare refractory temperature, which may result in classification under refractory ceramics (6903). Unclear material declaration, such as confusing ceramics with glass, affecting classification.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as ceramic crucible, ceramic evaporating dish, etc., which must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Writing only 'ceramic ware' is too general and fails to specify laboratory use.
Use
Clearly declare as for laboratory use, such as chemical experiments, material analysis, etc., to distinguish from industrial or household use.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring as 'industrial use' or 'household use', leading to classification errors.
Material
Specify the type of ceramic, such as alumina ceramics, quartz ceramics, etc., and whether it is refractory.
⚠️ Failing to specify the material, or confusing ceramics with glass.
Brand
Declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'None'.
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with the actual product, or omitted.
Model
Declare the product model for easy identification.
⚠️ Model filled in incorrectly or missing.
Specifications and Dimensions
Such as capacity, diameter, etc., which affect classification and tariff rates.
⚠️ Failing to provide dimensions, making it impossible to determine whether it is for laboratory use.
Refractory Temperature
If applicable, declare the refractory temperature to determine whether it qualifies as refractory ceramic.
⚠️ Failing to declare, which may result in misclassification under 6903.
Example： Product Name: Ceramic Crucible; Use: For laboratory chemical analysis; Material: Alumina ceramics; Brand: None; Model: CR-100; Specifications and Dimensions: Capacity 50ml, diameter 50mm; Refractory Temperature: 1600°C.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying laboratory ceramic ware as household ceramics (6911), ignoring its specialized nature.
Failing to declare refractory temperature, which may result in classification under refractory ceramics (6903).
Unclear material declaration, such as confusing ceramics with glass, affecting classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1. Whether the product is a ceramic article; 2. Whether it is specifically for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses; 3. Whether it possesses chemical corrosion resistance, heat resistance and other properties; 4. Whether it meets the definition of refractory ceramics (refractory temperature >= 1500°C). If it simultaneously meets the definition of refractory ceramics, it is classified under 6903 with priority, but laboratory ceramic ware is generally classified under 6909. 6903 Refractory ceramic products: Refractory ceramics must meet a refractory temperature of >= 1500°C and be used in industrial furnaces, etc. If laboratory ceramic ware does not reach the refractory temperature, it is classified under 6909. 6911 Household ceramic ware: 6911 covers household or tableware ceramics; laboratory ceramic ware has professional uses and is not classified under 6911. 6914 Other ceramic products: 6914 covers ceramic products not elsewhere specified; laboratory ceramic ware is already specified under 6909, so it is not classified under 6914. 7017 Laboratory glassware: Different materials: glassware is classified under 7017, ceramic ware under 6909. Is it specifically for laboratory use? Is the material ceramic? Does it possess chemical corrosion resistance? Is the refractory temperature below 1500°C? Has it been classified under subheading 6909?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1. Whether the product is a ceramic article; 2. Whether it is specifically for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses; 3. Whether it possesses chemical corrosion resistance, heat resistance and other properties; 4. Whether it meets the definition of refractory ceramics (refractory temperature >= 1500°C). If it simultaneously meets the definition of refractory ceramics, it is classified under 6903 with priority, but laboratory ceramic ware is generally classified under 6909.
Confused Codes：
6903 - Refractory ceramic products
Refractory ceramics must meet a refractory temperature of >= 1500°C and be used in industrial furnaces, etc. If laboratory ceramic ware does not reach the refractory temperature, it is classified under 6909.
6911 - Household ceramic ware
6911 covers household or tableware ceramics; laboratory ceramic ware has professional uses and is not classified under 6911.
6914 - Other ceramic products
6914 covers ceramic products not elsewhere specified; laboratory ceramic ware is already specified under 6909, so it is not classified under 6914.
7017 - Laboratory glassware
Different materials: glassware is classified under 7017, ceramic ware under 6909.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it specifically for laboratory use?
✓ Is the material ceramic?
✓ Does it possess chemical corrosion resistance?
✓ Is the refractory temperature below 1500°C?
✓ Has it been classified under subheading 6909?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether laboratory ceramic ware should be classified under 690911 or 6903? First confirm the refractory temperature: if >= 1500°C, classify under 6903; if below 1500°C and specifically for laboratory use, classify under 690911. Note that laboratory ceramic ware typically does not meet the high-temperature requirements of refractory ceramics. What are the declaration elements for laboratory ceramic ware? Product name, use, material, brand, model, specifications and dimensions, refractory temperature, etc. must be declared. The use must be clearly stated as laboratory use, and the material must be specific, such as alumina ceramics. What is the difference in HS codes between ceramic crucibles and glass crucibles? Ceramic crucibles are classified under 690911, glass crucibles under 7017. Classification must be distinguished by material; ceramic crucibles generally have better high-temperature resistance. How to check the import tariff rate for laboratory ceramic ware? It can be checked through customs tariff schedules, official websites, or by consulting customs brokers. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreements, etc.; it is recommended to refer to the latest tariff schedule. If ceramic ware can be used both in the laboratory and at home, how should it be classified? Classify according to the primary use. If primarily designed for laboratory use, classify under 690911; if primarily for household use, classify under 6911. Relevant evidence must be provided. What should be noted for export declaration of laboratory ceramic ware? Accurately declare product name, use, material, etc., to avoid misclassification as household ceramics. Also note export regulatory conditions, such as whether commodity inspection is required. What is the difference between HS code 690911 and 690912? 690911 covers ceramic ware for laboratory use; 690912 covers ceramic ware for chemical or other technical uses. The difference lies in the use: laboratory-specific use is classified under 690911, other technical uses under 690912.
Q: How to determine whether laboratory ceramic ware should be classified under 690911 or 6903?
A: First confirm the refractory temperature: if >= 1500°C, classify under 6903; if below 1500°C and specifically for laboratory use, classify under 690911. Note that laboratory ceramic ware typically does not meet the high-temperature requirements of refractory ceramics.
Q: What are the declaration elements for laboratory ceramic ware?
A: Product name, use, material, brand, model, specifications and dimensions, refractory temperature, etc. must be declared. The use must be clearly stated as laboratory use, and the material must be specific, such as alumina ceramics.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between ceramic crucibles and glass crucibles?
A: Ceramic crucibles are classified under 690911, glass crucibles under 7017. Classification must be distinguished by material; ceramic crucibles generally have better high-temperature resistance.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for laboratory ceramic ware?
A: It can be checked through customs tariff schedules, official websites, or by consulting customs brokers. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreements, etc.; it is recommended to refer to the latest tariff schedule.
Q: If ceramic ware can be used both in the laboratory and at home, how should it be classified?
A: Classify according to the primary use. If primarily designed for laboratory use, classify under 690911; if primarily for household use, classify under 6911. Relevant evidence must be provided.
Q: What should be noted for export declaration of laboratory ceramic ware?
A: Accurately declare product name, use, material, etc., to avoid misclassification as household ceramics. Also note export regulatory conditions, such as whether commodity inspection is required.
Q: What is the difference between HS code 690911 and 690912?
A: 690911 covers ceramic ware for laboratory use; 690912 covers ceramic ware for chemical or other technical uses. The difference lies in the use: laboratory-specific use is classified under 690911, other technical uses under 690912.
⚠️ 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.