Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including articles made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and ceramic articles other than refractory ceramic articles. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers articles of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and ceramic articles other than refractory ceramic articles; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic articles. The chapter notes clarify that this chapter does not include certain specific products, such as glassware, cermets, etc. Ceramic articles are further subdivided by material, use, and processing technology. Heading 6913 covers decorative ceramic articles fired after plastic forming, including statues, ornaments, interior furnishings, etc. Specifically includes: porcelain or pottery statues, figurines, vases, flower pots, decorative plates, ashtrays, small ornaments, etc. But excludes: ceramic tableware (6911 or 6912), ceramic sanitary ware (6910), ceramic building bricks (6904), ceramic technical articles (6909), and ceramic jewelry (7117), etc. Under this heading, articles are divided by material into porcelain (6913.10) and other ceramic (6913.90). First 2 digits 69: represents Chapter 69, i.e., ceramic products. Digits 3-4: 13 represents heading 6913, i.e., ceramic decorative articles, specifically covering statues and other decorative ceramic articles. Digits 5-6: 10 represents subheading 6913.10, i.e., porcelain statues and other decorative articles. Among these, 'porcelain' refers to ceramic articles made from kaolin, feldspar, quartz, etc., fired at high temperatures, with a dense body, low water absorption, and translucent or white appearance. Subheading 6913.10 covers only porcelain decorative articles, while pottery or other ceramic decorative articles are classified under 6913.90. This product is a porcelain decorative article, such as a porcelain statue, porcelain vase, etc. Its material is porcelain, and its use is decorative, which conforms to the description of heading 6913 'statues and other decorative articles.' Meanwhile, according to the subheading structure, porcelain articles are classified under 6913.10, while pottery or other ceramic articles are classified under 6913.90. Therefore, porcelain statues and other decorative articles should be classified under 6913.10, not 6913.90 or other headings.
Chapter
Chapter 69 covers ceramic products, including articles made of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and ceramic articles other than refractory ceramic articles. This chapter is divided into two subchapters: Subchapter I (6901-6914) covers articles of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths and ceramic articles other than refractory ceramic articles; Subchapter II (6915-6914) covers other ceramic articles. The chapter notes clarify that this chapter does not include certain specific products, such as glassware, cermets, etc. Ceramic articles are further subdivided by material, use, and processing technology.
Heading
Heading 6913 covers decorative ceramic articles fired after plastic forming, including statues, ornaments, interior furnishings, etc. Specifically includes: porcelain or pottery statues, figurines, vases, flower pots, decorative plates, ashtrays, small ornaments, etc. But excludes: ceramic tableware (6911 or 6912), ceramic sanitary ware (6910), ceramic building bricks (6904), ceramic technical articles (6909), and ceramic jewelry (7117), etc. Under this heading, articles are divided by material into porcelain (6913.10) and other ceramic (6913.90).
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 69: represents Chapter 69, i.e., ceramic products. Digits 3-4: 13 represents heading 6913, i.e., ceramic decorative articles, specifically covering statues and other decorative ceramic articles. Digits 5-6: 10 represents subheading 6913.10, i.e., porcelain statues and other decorative articles. Among these, 'porcelain' refers to ceramic articles made from kaolin, feldspar, quartz, etc., fired at high temperatures, with a dense body, low water absorption, and translucent or white appearance. Subheading 6913.10 covers only porcelain decorative articles, while pottery or other ceramic decorative articles are classified under 6913.90.
Classification Basis
This product is a porcelain decorative article, such as a porcelain statue, porcelain vase, etc. Its material is porcelain, and its use is decorative, which conforms to the description of heading 6913 'statues and other decorative articles.' Meanwhile, according to the subheading structure, porcelain articles are classified under 6913.10, while pottery or other ceramic articles are classified under 6913.90. Therefore, porcelain statues and other decorative articles should be classified under 6913.10, not 6913.90 or other headings.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as porcelain statue, porcelain vase, etc., which should accurately reflect the product's attributes. Material: Clearly specify the type of ceramic, such as porcelain, pottery, stoneware, etc. Porcelain must be indicated. Use: Explain the use of the commodity, such as decoration, ornament, gift, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare 'no brand.' Model: If there is a model, declare it; if no model, declare 'no model.' Packaging Specifications: Declare the packaging method and quantity, such as how many pieces per box. Processing Technology: Briefly explain the processing method, such as hand-painted, molded, fired, etc. Product Name: Porcelain decorative vase; Material: Porcelain; Use: Indoor decoration; Brand: No brand; Model: No model; Packaging Specifications: 12 pieces per box; Processing Technology: Molded, high-temperature fired, hand-painted. Misclassifying porcelain decorative articles under 6913.90 (other ceramic), leading to tax rate differences. Misclassifying decorative porcelain plates under 6911 (porcelain tableware), ignoring their decorative use. Failure to declare brand or model, affecting customs valuation and classification.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as porcelain statue, porcelain vase, etc., which should accurately reflect the product's attributes.
⚠️ Writing only 'ceramic article' is too general and does not specify decorative articles.
Material
Clearly specify the type of ceramic, such as porcelain, pottery, stoneware, etc. Porcelain must be indicated.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'ceramic' without distinguishing between porcelain and pottery.
Use
Explain the use of the commodity, such as decoration, ornament, gift, etc.
⚠️ Misreporting as tableware or practical utensils.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare 'no brand.'
⚠️ Omitting the brand or misreporting as another brand.
Model
If there is a model, declare it; if no model, declare 'no model.'
⚠️ Model does not match the actual product or is omitted.
Packaging Specifications
Declare the packaging method and quantity, such as how many pieces per box.
⚠️ Packaging specifications do not match the actual product.
Processing Technology
Briefly explain the processing method, such as hand-painted, molded, fired, etc.
⚠️ Failure to explain the process leads to classification disputes.
Example： Product Name: Porcelain decorative vase; Material: Porcelain; Use: Indoor decoration; Brand: No brand; Model: No model; Packaging Specifications: 12 pieces per box; Processing Technology: Molded, high-temperature fired, hand-painted.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying porcelain decorative articles under 6913.90 (other ceramic), leading to tax rate differences.
Misclassifying decorative porcelain plates under 6911 (porcelain tableware), ignoring their decorative use.
Failure to declare brand or model, affecting customs valuation and classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Classification basis: First, determine it is porcelain based on material, then determine it is a decorative article based on use. Heading 6913 explicitly includes statues and other decorative articles, and subheading 6913.10 is for porcelain. Therefore, porcelain statues and other decorative articles should be classified under 6913.10. If pottery, then classify under 6913.90. If practical utensils, then possibly classify under 6911 or 6912. 6913.90 Other ceramic statues and decorative articles: Different material: 6913.10 is porcelain, 6913.90 is pottery or other ceramic. 6911.10 Porcelain tableware and kitchenware: Different use: 6911 is tableware or kitchenware, 6913 is decorative articles. 6912.00 Other ceramic tableware and kitchenware: Both material and use are different: 6912 is pottery tableware, 6913 is porcelain decorative articles. 6914.10 Other porcelain articles: 6914 is other porcelain articles not elsewhere specified, 6913 is specifically listed decorative articles. 7117.90 Other imitation jewelry: Different use: 7117 is imitation jewelry, 6913 is decorative articles. Is the material porcelain? Is the use decorative? Does it belong to tableware or kitchenware? Does it belong to sanitary ware? Does it belong to ceramic building materials?
Basis
Classification basis: First, determine it is porcelain based on material, then determine it is a decorative article based on use. Heading 6913 explicitly includes statues and other decorative articles, and subheading 6913.10 is for porcelain. Therefore, porcelain statues and other decorative articles should be classified under 6913.10. If pottery, then classify under 6913.90. If practical utensils, then possibly classify under 6911 or 6912.
Confused Codes：
6913.90 - Other ceramic statues and decorative articles
Different material: 6913.10 is porcelain, 6913.90 is pottery or other ceramic.
6911.10 - Porcelain tableware and kitchenware
Different use: 6911 is tableware or kitchenware, 6913 is decorative articles.
6912.00 - Other ceramic tableware and kitchenware
Both material and use are different: 6912 is pottery tableware, 6913 is porcelain decorative articles.
6914.10 - Other porcelain articles
6914 is other porcelain articles not elsewhere specified, 6913 is specifically listed decorative articles.
7117.90 - Other imitation jewelry
Different use: 7117 is imitation jewelry, 6913 is decorative articles.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material porcelain?
✓ Is the use decorative?
✓ Does it belong to tableware or kitchenware?
✓ Does it belong to sanitary ware?
✓ Does it belong to ceramic building materials?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a ceramic article is porcelain or pottery? The main difference between porcelain and pottery lies in raw materials, firing temperature, and body characteristics. Porcelain uses kaolin, feldspar, and quartz as raw materials, is fired at high temperatures (about 1200-1400°C), has a dense body, low water absorption (usually <0.5%), is translucent or white, and produces a clear sound when struck. Pottery is fired at lower temperatures, has a porous body, high water absorption, is opaque, and produces a dull sound when struck. Customs classification can be determined based on appearance, water absorption, etc. How to distinguish porcelain decorative articles from porcelain tableware? Mainly based on use. Porcelain tableware is used for holding food, such as bowls, plates, cups, etc.; porcelain decorative articles are used for viewing and ornamentation, such as statues, vases, decorative plates, etc. If an article has both practical and decorative functions, it should be judged based on its primary use. For example, a decorative porcelain plate used only for display is classified under 6913; if it can be used for holding food, it is classified under 6911. What is the export tax rebate rate for HS code 691310? The export tax rebate rate is adjusted with national policies and may vary in different periods. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the official website of the State Taxation Administration or the General Administration of Customs, or consult a professional customs broker. Generally, the rebate rate for ceramic decorative articles is between 9% and 13%, but the latest policy shall prevail. Must brand and model be filled in during declaration? According to customs regulations, brand and model are declaration elements and must be filled in truthfully. If there is no brand or model, declare 'no brand' or 'no model.' Omission or misreporting may lead to customs clearance delays or penalties. For unbranded mass-produced goods, 'no brand' can be filled in. Are there tariff differences between porcelain decorative articles and pottery decorative articles? In the HS code, porcelain decorative articles are classified under 6913.10, and pottery decorative articles under 6913.90. The tariff rates for both may be the same or different, depending on the specific country's tariff schedule. For example, China's most-favored-nation tariff rate for 6913.10 and 6913.90 may both be 8%, but the latest tariff schedule should be consulted for confirmation. How to check the regulatory conditions for HS code 691310? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the China International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 691310 to view regulatory conditions, such as whether an export license, commodity inspection, etc., are required. Generally, ceramic decorative articles have no special regulatory conditions, but if they involve cultural relics or endangered species, additional certificates are required. How to choose an HS code for selling porcelain decorative articles via cross-border e-commerce? For cross-border e-commerce sales of porcelain decorative articles, the HS code should be selected based on actual material and use. Porcelain decorative articles are classified under 6913.10. If pottery, then under 6913.90. Note that cross-border e-commerce may apply personal postal articles tax, but the classification principle remains unchanged. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use customs pre-classification services. How to classify a porcelain decorative article with electronic components (such as a music box)? If a porcelain decorative article has electronic components and the electronic components constitute the primary function, it may be classified under other chapters (such as Chapter 85). If the electronic components are only auxiliary functions (such as luminous decoration), it is still classified as a ceramic decorative article. The specific classification should be determined comprehensively based on function, value, and other factors. It is recommended to apply for pre-classification.
Q: How to determine whether a ceramic article is porcelain or pottery?
A: The main difference between porcelain and pottery lies in raw materials, firing temperature, and body characteristics. Porcelain uses kaolin, feldspar, and quartz as raw materials, is fired at high temperatures (about 1200-1400°C), has a dense body, low water absorption (usually <0.5%), is translucent or white, and produces a clear sound when struck. Pottery is fired at lower temperatures, has a porous body, high water absorption, is opaque, and produces a dull sound when struck. Customs classification can be determined based on appearance, water absorption, etc.
Q: How to distinguish porcelain decorative articles from porcelain tableware?
A: Mainly based on use. Porcelain tableware is used for holding food, such as bowls, plates, cups, etc.; porcelain decorative articles are used for viewing and ornamentation, such as statues, vases, decorative plates, etc. If an article has both practical and decorative functions, it should be judged based on its primary use. For example, a decorative porcelain plate used only for display is classified under 6913; if it can be used for holding food, it is classified under 6911.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for HS code 691310?
A: The export tax rebate rate is adjusted with national policies and may vary in different periods. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the official website of the State Taxation Administration or the General Administration of Customs, or consult a professional customs broker. Generally, the rebate rate for ceramic decorative articles is between 9% and 13%, but the latest policy shall prevail.
Q: Must brand and model be filled in during declaration?
A: According to customs regulations, brand and model are declaration elements and must be filled in truthfully. If there is no brand or model, declare 'no brand' or 'no model.' Omission or misreporting may lead to customs clearance delays or penalties. For unbranded mass-produced goods, 'no brand' can be filled in.
Q: Are there tariff differences between porcelain decorative articles and pottery decorative articles?
A: In the HS code, porcelain decorative articles are classified under 6913.10, and pottery decorative articles under 6913.90. The tariff rates for both may be the same or different, depending on the specific country's tariff schedule. For example, China's most-favored-nation tariff rate for 6913.10 and 6913.90 may both be 8%, but the latest tariff schedule should be consulted for confirmation.
Q: How to check the regulatory conditions for HS code 691310?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the China International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 691310 to view regulatory conditions, such as whether an export license, commodity inspection, etc., are required. Generally, ceramic decorative articles have no special regulatory conditions, but if they involve cultural relics or endangered species, additional certificates are required.
Q: How to choose an HS code for selling porcelain decorative articles via cross-border e-commerce?
A: For cross-border e-commerce sales of porcelain decorative articles, the HS code should be selected based on actual material and use. Porcelain decorative articles are classified under 6913.10. If pottery, then under 6913.90. Note that cross-border e-commerce may apply personal postal articles tax, but the classification principle remains unchanged. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use customs pre-classification services.
Q: How to classify a porcelain decorative article with electronic components (such as a music box)?
A: If a porcelain decorative article has electronic components and the electronic components constitute the primary function, it may be classified under other chapters (such as Chapter 85). If the electronic components are only auxiliary functions (such as luminous decoration), it is still classified as a ceramic decorative article. The specific classification should be determined comprehensively based on function, value, and other factors. It is recommended to apply for pre-classification.
⚠️ 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.