Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including refractory goods made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, building bricks and tiles, flat ceramic panels, ceramic sanitary ware, ceramic tableware, ceramic insulators, etc. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers goods made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and refractory ceramic goods; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic products. Note that this chapter does not include glass products, metal-ceramic products, and certain specific ceramic products such as laboratory ceramics. Heading 6910 covers ceramic sanitary ware, including sinks, washbasins, bathtubs, water closets, water tanks, urinals, bedpans, and similar sanitary fixtures. These fixtures are usually made of ceramic materials, such as porcelain, pottery, stoneware, etc., and are used for sanitary purposes. However, note that this heading does not include small ceramic sanitary accessories such as soap dishes, toothbrush holders, etc. (classified under 6912), nor does it include ceramic faucets, valves, and other pipe fittings (classified under 8481). Code 691090 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "69" represent Chapter 69, i.e., ceramic products. The 3rd-4th digits "10" represent heading 6910, i.e., ceramic sanitary ware. The 5th-6th digits "90" represent subheading 691090, i.e., other ceramic sanitary ware. In the HS classification, there are two subheadings under 6910: 691010 for porcelain sanitary ware, and 691090 for other ceramic sanitary ware (i.e., non-porcelain, such as pottery, stoneware, etc.). Therefore, this code specifically refers to sanitary ware made of ceramic materials other than porcelain. This product is classified under 691090 because its material is ceramic (non-porcelain) and its use is sanitary ware. If the material were porcelain, it should be classified under 691010; if it were other materials such as plastic or metal, it would be classified under Chapter 39 or Chapter 73, etc. If ceramic sanitary ware has electronic devices (such as smart toilet lids), it may be classified under 8481 or 8543, etc., but the ceramic part is usually still classified under 6910. Therefore, correctly distinguishing material and function is key.
Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including refractory goods made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, building bricks and tiles, flat ceramic panels, ceramic sanitary ware, ceramic tableware, ceramic insulators, etc. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers goods made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and refractory ceramic goods; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic products. Note that this chapter does not include glass products, metal-ceramic products, and certain specific ceramic products such as laboratory ceramics.
Heading
Heading 6910 covers ceramic sanitary ware, including sinks, washbasins, bathtubs, water closets, water tanks, urinals, bedpans, and similar sanitary fixtures. These fixtures are usually made of ceramic materials, such as porcelain, pottery, stoneware, etc., and are used for sanitary purposes. However, note that this heading does not include small ceramic sanitary accessories such as soap dishes, toothbrush holders, etc. (classified under 6912), nor does it include ceramic faucets, valves, and other pipe fittings (classified under 8481).
Digit Breakdown
Code 691090 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "69" represent Chapter 69, i.e., ceramic products. The 3rd-4th digits "10" represent heading 6910, i.e., ceramic sanitary ware. The 5th-6th digits "90" represent subheading 691090, i.e., other ceramic sanitary ware. In the HS classification, there are two subheadings under 6910: 691010 for porcelain sanitary ware, and 691090 for other ceramic sanitary ware (i.e., non-porcelain, such as pottery, stoneware, etc.). Therefore, this code specifically refers to sanitary ware made of ceramic materials other than porcelain.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 691090 because its material is ceramic (non-porcelain) and its use is sanitary ware. If the material were porcelain, it should be classified under 691010; if it were other materials such as plastic or metal, it would be classified under Chapter 39 or Chapter 73, etc. If ceramic sanitary ware has electronic devices (such as smart toilet lids), it may be classified under 8481 or 8543, etc., but the ceramic part is usually still classified under 6910. Therefore, correctly distinguishing material and function is key.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared product, such as "ceramic washbasin", "pottery bathtub", etc., which must be consistent with the actual product. Material: Detailed description of the ceramic type, such as pottery, stoneware, porcelain, etc., used to distinguish between 691010 and 691090. Use: Explain the specific use of the sanitary ware, such as washing hands, bathing, defecation, etc. Brand: Fill in the brand name (if no brand, fill in "none"), used for customs intellectual property protection. Model: Fill in the product model or specifications to facilitate customs identification. Dimensions: Provide the dimensions of the sanitary ware (such as length, width, height), which affects classification but does not change the tariff code. Whether in a set: Indicate whether it is packaged or sold as a set, such as a toilet and water tank as a set. Product Name: Pottery washbasin; Material: Pottery (non-porcelain); Use: For washing hands in bathroom; Brand: Unbranded; Model: XP-2020; Dimensions: 60cm×45cm×20cm; Whether in a set: No. Incorrectly classifying porcelain sanitary ware under 691090, when it should actually be classified under 691010. Confusing ceramic sanitary ware with plastic or metal sanitary ware, leading to classification errors. Ignoring the separate classification of accessories for ceramic sanitary ware (such as toilet lids).
Product Name
The specific name of the declared product, such as "ceramic washbasin", "pottery bathtub", etc., which must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Misreporting porcelain sanitary ware as "ceramic", failing to distinguish between porcelain and pottery.
Material
Detailed description of the ceramic type, such as pottery, stoneware, porcelain, etc., used to distinguish between 691010 and 691090.
⚠️ Writing only "ceramic", without specifying whether it is porcelain or pottery.
Use
Explain the specific use of the sanitary ware, such as washing hands, bathing, defecation, etc.
⚠️ Misreporting ceramic products for non-sanitary uses (such as decorations) as sanitary ware.
Brand
Fill in the brand name (if no brand, fill in "none"), used for customs intellectual property protection.
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with the actual product or omitted.
Model
Fill in the product model or specifications to facilitate customs identification.
⚠️ Model filled in incompletely or inconsistent with the actual product.
Dimensions
Provide the dimensions of the sanitary ware (such as length, width, height), which affects classification but does not change the tariff code.
⚠️ Incorrect dimension units or not provided.
Whether in a set
Indicate whether it is packaged or sold as a set, such as a toilet and water tank as a set.
⚠️ Complete sets not declared, leading to classification errors.
Example： Product Name: Pottery washbasin; Material: Pottery (non-porcelain); Use: For washing hands in bathroom; Brand: Unbranded; Model: XP-2020; Dimensions: 60cm×45cm×20cm; Whether in a set: No.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying porcelain sanitary ware under 691090, when it should actually be classified under 691010.
Confusing ceramic sanitary ware with plastic or metal sanitary ware, leading to classification errors.
Ignoring the separate classification of accessories for ceramic sanitary ware (such as toilet lids).
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are material and use. First, it must be a ceramic product (Chapter 69). Second, it must be sanitary ware (heading 6910), i.e., ceramic fixtures used for sanitary purposes. Finally, based on whether the material is porcelain, distinguish between 691010 and 691090. Porcelain sanitary ware typically has high whiteness, translucency, low water absorption, etc., while pottery, stoneware, etc. have higher water absorption and are opaque. Customs may confirm the material through testing or by providing test reports. 691010 Porcelain sanitary ware: Material is porcelain, while 691090 is other ceramics (such as pottery, stoneware). Porcelain has water absorption ≤0.5%, other ceramics have higher water absorption. 691200 Ceramic tableware and kitchenware: Different use, 691200 is for dining, 691090 is for sanitary purposes. For example, ceramic cups are classified under 691200, ceramic washbasins under 691090. 691490 Other ceramic products: 691490 is for ceramic products not elsewhere specified, such as decorations, industrial ceramics, etc., while 691090 specifically refers to sanitary ware. 848180 Other valves and similar devices: Accessories such as flush valves for ceramic sanitary ware are classified under 8481, but the ceramic body is still classified under 6910. Is the material ceramic? Is it used for sanitary purposes? Is it porcelain? (Porcelain is classified under 691010) Is it combined with other materials? Does it have electronic devices?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are material and use. First, it must be a ceramic product (Chapter 69). Second, it must be sanitary ware (heading 6910), i.e., ceramic fixtures used for sanitary purposes. Finally, based on whether the material is porcelain, distinguish between 691010 and 691090. Porcelain sanitary ware typically has high whiteness, translucency, low water absorption, etc., while pottery, stoneware, etc. have higher water absorption and are opaque. Customs may confirm the material through testing or by providing test reports.
Confused Codes：
691010 - Porcelain sanitary ware
Material is porcelain, while 691090 is other ceramics (such as pottery, stoneware). Porcelain has water absorption ≤0.5%, other ceramics have higher water absorption.
691200 - Ceramic tableware and kitchenware
Different use, 691200 is for dining, 691090 is for sanitary purposes. For example, ceramic cups are classified under 691200, ceramic washbasins under 691090.
691490 - Other ceramic products
691490 is for ceramic products not elsewhere specified, such as decorations, industrial ceramics, etc., while 691090 specifically refers to sanitary ware.
848180 - Other valves and similar devices
Accessories such as flush valves for ceramic sanitary ware are classified under 8481, but the ceramic body is still classified under 6910.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material ceramic?
✓ Is it used for sanitary purposes?
✓ Is it porcelain? (Porcelain is classified under 691010)
✓ Is it combined with other materials?
✓ Does it have electronic devices?
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish porcelain sanitary ware from pottery sanitary ware? Porcelain sanitary ware usually has low water absorption (≤0.5%), dense texture, clear ringing sound when struck, and fine cross-section; pottery sanitary ware has higher water absorption, dull sound when struck, and rougher cross-section. Customs may require test reports. Which HS code should smart toilets be classified under? The ceramic part of a smart toilet is usually classified under 6910, but if it has electronic control devices, it may need to be classified under other chapters according to function (such as 8481 or 8543). It is recommended to classify according to the main function or consult customs. How are accessories for ceramic sanitary ware classified? Accessories such as toilet lids, water tank fittings, etc., if made of plastic are classified under 3922, if made of metal under 7324, etc. Ceramic accessories, if imported separately, are classified under 6914. What declaration elements are required for exporting ceramic sanitary ware? Need to declare product name, material, use, brand, model, dimensions, whether in a set, etc. The material must be specified as porcelain or non-porcelain to determine the 6-digit subheading. What is the difference in classification between ceramic washbasins and ceramic kitchen sinks? Ceramic washbasins are sanitary ware, classified under 6910; ceramic kitchen sinks are kitchenware, classified under 6912. Use is the key to distinction. How to check the import tariff rate for ceramic sanitary ware? You can check the latest tariff rates by entering HS code 691090 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query tools. Note that tariff rates may vary due to free trade agreements. Is the classification of ceramic sanitary ware affected by dimensions? Usually not affected by dimensions, but oversized or special-purpose items may affect classification, such as medical ceramic bathtubs which may be classified under 9018.
Q: How to distinguish porcelain sanitary ware from pottery sanitary ware?
A: Porcelain sanitary ware usually has low water absorption (≤0.5%), dense texture, clear ringing sound when struck, and fine cross-section; pottery sanitary ware has higher water absorption, dull sound when struck, and rougher cross-section. Customs may require test reports.
Q: Which HS code should smart toilets be classified under?
A: The ceramic part of a smart toilet is usually classified under 6910, but if it has electronic control devices, it may need to be classified under other chapters according to function (such as 8481 or 8543). It is recommended to classify according to the main function or consult customs.
Q: How are accessories for ceramic sanitary ware classified?
A: Accessories such as toilet lids, water tank fittings, etc., if made of plastic are classified under 3922, if made of metal under 7324, etc. Ceramic accessories, if imported separately, are classified under 6914.
Q: What declaration elements are required for exporting ceramic sanitary ware?
A: Need to declare product name, material, use, brand, model, dimensions, whether in a set, etc. The material must be specified as porcelain or non-porcelain to determine the 6-digit subheading.
Q: What is the difference in classification between ceramic washbasins and ceramic kitchen sinks?
A: Ceramic washbasins are sanitary ware, classified under 6910; ceramic kitchen sinks are kitchenware, classified under 6912. Use is the key to distinction.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for ceramic sanitary ware?
A: You can check the latest tariff rates by entering HS code 691090 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query tools. Note that tariff rates may vary due to free trade agreements.
Q: Is the classification of ceramic sanitary ware affected by dimensions?
A: Usually not affected by dimensions, but oversized or special-purpose items may affect classification, such as medical ceramic bathtubs which may be classified under 9018.
⚠️ 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.