Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including all articles made by shaping, drying, and firing clay, siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous materials. This chapter is divided into two main parts: the first subchapter (6901-6914) covers ceramic articles of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous materials, and the second subchapter (6915-6914) covers other ceramic articles. Ceramic articles have properties such as high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and insulation, and are widely used in construction, household, industrial, and artistic fields. This chapter does not include glass, cement products, or cermets. Heading 6909 covers other ceramic wares, namely ceramic articles not named in the first subchapter, mainly including ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses; ceramic troughs, tubs and similar receptacles; ceramic pipes, conduits, guttering and pipe fittings; and other ceramic articles not elsewhere specified. Products under this heading are mostly for industrial or technical uses, rather than household or decorative uses. The first 2 digits 69 represent Chapter 69, ceramic products. Digits 3-4, 09, represent heading 6909, namely other ceramic wares. Digits 5-6, 90, are the subheading, indicating other ceramic wares not elsewhere specified. Specifically, heading 6909 is divided into multiple subheadings: 6909.11 (ceramic wares of porcelain for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses), 6909.12 (ceramic wares with a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale), 6909.19 (other ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses), and 6909.90 (other). Therefore, 690990 specifically refers to other ceramic wares not named under heading 6909, usually ceramic articles for industrial or technical uses. This product is classified under 690990 rather than adjacent codes because its material is ceramic and its use is technical or industrial, but it is not specifically named in other subheadings of 6909 (such as laboratory use, high hardness, etc.). At the same time, it does not belong to other specifically named products in 6901-6914 (such as building bricks, household ceramics, etc.), nor does it belong to other categories in 6915 or 6914. Therefore, according to General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Harmonized System, it is classified under 690990.
Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including all articles made by shaping, drying, and firing clay, siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous materials. This chapter is divided into two main parts: the first subchapter (6901-6914) covers ceramic articles of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous materials, and the second subchapter (6915-6914) covers other ceramic articles. Ceramic articles have properties such as high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and insulation, and are widely used in construction, household, industrial, and artistic fields. This chapter does not include glass, cement products, or cermets.
Heading
Heading 6909 covers other ceramic wares, namely ceramic articles not named in the first subchapter, mainly including ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses; ceramic troughs, tubs and similar receptacles; ceramic pipes, conduits, guttering and pipe fittings; and other ceramic articles not elsewhere specified. Products under this heading are mostly for industrial or technical uses, rather than household or decorative uses.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 69 represent Chapter 69, ceramic products. Digits 3-4, 09, represent heading 6909, namely other ceramic wares. Digits 5-6, 90, are the subheading, indicating other ceramic wares not elsewhere specified. Specifically, heading 6909 is divided into multiple subheadings: 6909.11 (ceramic wares of porcelain for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses), 6909.12 (ceramic wares with a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale), 6909.19 (other ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses), and 6909.90 (other). Therefore, 690990 specifically refers to other ceramic wares not named under heading 6909, usually ceramic articles for industrial or technical uses.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 690990 rather than adjacent codes because its material is ceramic and its use is technical or industrial, but it is not specifically named in other subheadings of 6909 (such as laboratory use, high hardness, etc.). At the same time, it does not belong to other specifically named products in 6901-6914 (such as building bricks, household ceramics, etc.), nor does it belong to other categories in 6915 or 6914. Therefore, according to General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Harmonized System, it is classified under 690990.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the material, use, and appearance of the goods, such as "ceramic acid-resistant pump", "ceramic sealing ring", etc. Material: Specify the specific type of ceramic, such as porcelain, earthenware, Mohs hardness, etc., as well as the main components (such as alumina, silicon carbide, etc.). Use: Describe in detail the final use of the commodity, such as for laboratory, chemical, mechanical sealing, insulation, etc. Brand: Declare the brand or manufacturer name of the commodity; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Specifications and model: Parameters such as size, shape, capacity, etc., such as diameter, length, volume, etc. Processing method: Describe the forming and firing process, such as dry pressing, slip casting, sintering temperature, etc. Mohs hardness: If applicable, declare the Mohs hardness of the ceramic, especially for high-hardness ceramics that may be classified under 6909.12. Product name: ceramic acid-resistant pump; Material: alumina ceramic, Mohs hardness 9; Use: used in the chemical industry to transport corrosive liquids; Brand: XX; Specifications and model: DN50, flow rate 10m³/h; Processing method: dry pressing, sintered at 1600°C. Mistakenly classifying technical ceramic wares as household ceramics (such as 6911 or 6912). Ignoring Mohs hardness, resulting in high-hardness ceramics not being classified under 6909.12. Mistakenly classifying cermets (such as tungsten carbide) under 6909, when they should actually be classified under 8113.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the material, use, and appearance of the goods, such as "ceramic acid-resistant pump", "ceramic sealing ring", etc.
⚠️ Declaring only as "ceramic products", which is too general and makes classification difficult.
Material
Specify the specific type of ceramic, such as porcelain, earthenware, Mohs hardness, etc., as well as the main components (such as alumina, silicon carbide, etc.).
⚠️ Failure to indicate the material, or mistakenly declaring cermet as ceramic.
Use
Describe in detail the final use of the commodity, such as for laboratory, chemical, mechanical sealing, insulation, etc.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as "industrial use", making it impossible to distinguish the specific subheading.
Brand
Declare the brand or manufacturer name of the commodity; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Omitting the brand or providing incomplete information.
Specifications and model
Parameters such as size, shape, capacity, etc., such as diameter, length, volume, etc.
⚠️ Failure to provide specifications, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to a specific subheading.
Processing method
Describe the forming and firing process, such as dry pressing, slip casting, sintering temperature, etc.
⚠️ Ignoring the processing method, which may affect the determination of material.
Mohs hardness
If applicable, declare the Mohs hardness of the ceramic, especially for high-hardness ceramics that may be classified under 6909.12.
⚠️ Failure to provide hardness data, which may lead to incorrect classification under other subheadings.
Example： Product name: ceramic acid-resistant pump; Material: alumina ceramic, Mohs hardness 9; Use: used in the chemical industry to transport corrosive liquids; Brand: XX; Specifications and model: DN50, flow rate 10m³/h; Processing method: dry pressing, sintered at 1600°C.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying technical ceramic wares as household ceramics (such as 6911 or 6912).
Ignoring Mohs hardness, resulting in high-hardness ceramics not being classified under 6909.12.
Mistakenly classifying cermets (such as tungsten carbide) under 6909, when they should actually be classified under 8113.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the material is ceramic (not cermet); 2) whether the use is technical, industrial, or laboratory; 3) whether it is specifically named in other subheadings of 6909. According to the Import and Export Tariff, 6909 includes ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, as well as ceramic troughs, tubs, pipes, etc. If the product meets these characteristics and is not named in other subheadings, it is classified under 690990. 690911 Ceramic wares of porcelain for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses: 690911 specifically refers to laboratory or technical wares of porcelain, while 690990 covers technical ceramics of other materials or not elsewhere specified. 690912 Ceramic wares with a Mohs hardness of 9 or more: 690912 requires a Mohs hardness of ≥9, while 690990 has no such hardness requirement, but if the hardness meets the standard, it should be classified under 690912 first. 690919 Other ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses: 690919 covers laboratory or technical ceramics of other materials, but if it is not for laboratory or technical use, it may be classified under 690990. 691410 Other household ceramic wares of porcelain: 691410 is household porcelain wares, while 690990 is for technical or industrial use; the uses are different. 691490 Other household ceramic wares: 691490 is household ceramic wares, not for technical use, distinguishing it from the industrial use of 690990. Is the material ceramic? Is it used for laboratory, chemical or technical purposes? Is it specifically named in other subheadings of 6909? Does the Mohs hardness reach 9 or more? Is it household or decorative ceramic?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the material is ceramic (not cermet); 2) whether the use is technical, industrial, or laboratory; 3) whether it is specifically named in other subheadings of 6909. According to the Import and Export Tariff, 6909 includes ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, as well as ceramic troughs, tubs, pipes, etc. If the product meets these characteristics and is not named in other subheadings, it is classified under 690990.
Confused Codes：
690911 - Ceramic wares of porcelain for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses
690911 specifically refers to laboratory or technical wares of porcelain, while 690990 covers technical ceramics of other materials or not elsewhere specified.
690912 - Ceramic wares with a Mohs hardness of 9 or more
690912 requires a Mohs hardness of ≥9, while 690990 has no such hardness requirement, but if the hardness meets the standard, it should be classified under 690912 first.
690919 - Other ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses
690919 covers laboratory or technical ceramics of other materials, but if it is not for laboratory or technical use, it may be classified under 690990.
691410 - Other household ceramic wares of porcelain
691410 is household porcelain wares, while 690990 is for technical or industrial use; the uses are different.
691490 - Other household ceramic wares
691490 is household ceramic wares, not for technical use, distinguishing it from the industrial use of 690990.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material ceramic?
✓ Is it used for laboratory, chemical or technical purposes?
✓ Is it specifically named in other subheadings of 6909?
✓ Does the Mohs hardness reach 9 or more?
✓ Is it household or decorative ceramic?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 690990? The import tariff rate must be determined based on the country of origin, trade agreements, and the latest tariff schedule. It is recommended to consult the Import and Export Tariff issued by the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs classification advance ruling service. Tariff rates may change, so please refer to the latest official data. Which code should ceramic sealing rings be classified under? If the ceramic sealing ring is used for mechanical sealing, it is a technical ceramic and is usually classified under 690990. However, if its Mohs hardness is ≥9, it should be classified under 690912. Judgment should be based on the specific material and hardness. How should laboratory ceramic crucibles be classified? Porcelain laboratory crucibles are classified under 690911; laboratory crucibles of other materials (such as alumina) are classified under 690919; if the Mohs hardness is ≥9, they are classified under 690912. Which code should ceramic pipes used for chemical pipelines be classified under? If ceramic pipes are specially used for chemical or technical purposes, they are classified under 690990; if they are building ceramic pipes, they are classified under 6906. Classification should be based on use. What is the difference between 690990 and 691490? 690990 is ceramic wares for technical, industrial or laboratory use; 691490 is household ceramic wares. The main difference lies in use, not material. How should "other ceramic wares" be described when declaring? The product name, material, use, specifications, etc. should be described in detail, avoiding merely writing "ceramic products". For example: "alumina ceramic acid-resistant pump, used for transporting corrosive liquids in chemical industry". Are cermets classified under 690990? No. Cermets (such as tungsten carbide) are cermets and should be classified under Chapter 81 (such as 8113). 690990 applies only to non-cermet ceramics. What is the export tax rebate situation for 690990? The export tax rebate rate must be based on the latest regulations of the State Taxation Administration. Generally, technical ceramics may have a higher rebate rate, but the specific rate must be checked in official publications. It is recommended to consult the local tax authorities.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 690990?
A: The import tariff rate must be determined based on the country of origin, trade agreements, and the latest tariff schedule. It is recommended to consult the Import and Export Tariff issued by the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs classification advance ruling service. Tariff rates may change, so please refer to the latest official data.
Q: Which code should ceramic sealing rings be classified under?
A: If the ceramic sealing ring is used for mechanical sealing, it is a technical ceramic and is usually classified under 690990. However, if its Mohs hardness is ≥9, it should be classified under 690912. Judgment should be based on the specific material and hardness.
Q: How should laboratory ceramic crucibles be classified?
A: Porcelain laboratory crucibles are classified under 690911; laboratory crucibles of other materials (such as alumina) are classified under 690919; if the Mohs hardness is ≥9, they are classified under 690912.
Q: Which code should ceramic pipes used for chemical pipelines be classified under?
A: If ceramic pipes are specially used for chemical or technical purposes, they are classified under 690990; if they are building ceramic pipes, they are classified under 6906. Classification should be based on use.
Q: What is the difference between 690990 and 691490?
A: 690990 is ceramic wares for technical, industrial or laboratory use; 691490 is household ceramic wares. The main difference lies in use, not material.
Q: How should "other ceramic wares" be described when declaring?
A: The product name, material, use, specifications, etc. should be described in detail, avoiding merely writing "ceramic products". For example: "alumina ceramic acid-resistant pump, used for transporting corrosive liquids in chemical industry".
Q: Are cermets classified under 690990?
A: No. Cermets (such as tungsten carbide) are cermets and should be classified under Chapter 81 (such as 8113). 690990 applies only to non-cermet ceramics.
Q: What is the export tax rebate situation for 690990?
A: The export tax rebate rate must be based on the latest regulations of the State Taxation Administration. Generally, technical ceramics may have a higher rebate rate, but the specific rate must be checked in official publications. It is recommended to consult the local tax authorities.
⚠️ 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.