HS 681011 Tiles, flagstones, bricks and similar articles
Quick Answer: Ceramic tiles, flagstones, bricks, and similar articles imported under HS 681011 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 30% depending on the country of origin. This classification specifically covers articles of cement, concrete, or artificial stone, whether or not reinforced, intended for construction purposes. Importers should be aware of potential anti-dumping duties or specific origin-based preferences that can significantly alter the final duty liability in the US. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6810110000 | — | — | — |
| 6810111000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 6810119000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6810110000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 6810119000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 6810111000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68101100 | 3.2% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 6810110010 | — | — | ["m<sup>2</sup>"] |
| 6810110070 | — | — | ["t"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 6810.11?
Imports of Tiles, flagstones, bricks and similar articles may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 681011 cover?
This subheading covers tiles, flagstones, bricks, and similar articles of cement, of concrete, or of artificial stone, whether or not reinforced, specifically designed for paving or covering. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this category includes articles used for decorative or functional purposes in construction, such as floor tiles, wall tiles, and paving stones, provided they are not further worked than as described in the heading. These items are typically manufactured from cementitious materials.
What falls outside HS 681011?
The following products are excluded from HS 681011: articles of cement, concrete, or artificial stone that are not specifically for paving or covering, such as concrete pipes (HS 681099), concrete mixers (HS 8474), or structural concrete elements not intended for surface application. Also excluded are articles of natural stone (Chapter 68, other headings), ceramic tiles (Chapter 69), or articles of plastics (Chapter 39). For instance, precast concrete building blocks not intended for paving would be classified elsewhere, typically under HS 681099.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 681011?
A common error is misclassifying articles of cement or concrete based solely on their appearance without considering their intended use as paving or covering materials. For example, decorative concrete panels intended for wall cladding might be mistakenly classified under this subheading if their primary function isn't paving or floor covering. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and GRI 3(b) are crucial here, emphasizing that classification is determined by the essential character of the good and its intended use as specified by the heading and subheading text.
How should importers classify products under HS 681011?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 681011 involves a thorough examination of the product's material composition, manufacturing process, and intended application. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the articles are made of cement, concrete, or artificial stone and are specifically designed for paving or covering. Consulting official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, and reviewing explanatory notes or seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities is recommended to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 681011?
A shipment of 1,000 square meters of concrete paving slabs, declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,500. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($15,000 USD × 10% = $1,500 USD). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 681011.9000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 681011?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 681011, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP is typically required, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific agreement's rules of origin.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 681011 (Tiles, flagstones, bricks and similar articles, of cement, concrete or artificial stone)?
HS code 681011 covers articles made from cement, concrete, or artificial stone, which are specifically designed for use as tiles, flagstones, bricks, or similar building or construction materials. Key classification criteria include the material composition (cementitious binders, aggregates), the manufacturing process (molding, pressing, curing), and the intended use (flooring, wall cladding, paving, structural components). Articles that are not specifically shaped or designed for these purposes, or are made from other materials like natural stone or ceramics, would be classified elsewhere.
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 681011, and how can preferential rates be accessed?
Import duty rates for HS code 681011 vary by country. For example, the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS) generally imposes a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty of 3.5% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, under the US-Australia FTA, the duty may be Free. To access preferential rates, importers must provide a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the exporter in the partner country, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Documentation must be accurate and submitted with the customs entry.
Can you provide a concrete example of how import duty is calculated for HS code 681011?
Certainly. Assume an importer is bringing 1,000 square meters of concrete tiles classified under HS code 681011 into the United States, with each square meter valued at $15. The MFN duty rate is 3.5% ad valorem. The total value of the shipment is 1,000 sq meters * $15/sq meter = $15,000. The import duty would be calculated as: $15,000 (value) * 3.5% (duty rate) = $525. This amount is then paid to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon entry.
What documentation is typically required for importing articles classified under HS code 681011?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS code 681011 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill as proof of shipment. Depending on the destination country and the specific product, additional documentation may be required, such as a Certificate of Origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement), safety and compliance certificates (e.g., for construction materials), or specific import licenses. Importers should consult the customs regulations of the importing country and work closely with their customs broker.
Are there specific trade agreements that significantly impact the import duties for HS code 681011 into major markets like the US or EU?
Yes, several trade agreements can significantly impact duties for HS code 681011. For imports into the United States, agreements like the US-Australia FTA or the US-Korea FTA (KORUS) may offer reduced or Free duty rates if the goods meet the respective rules of origin. For imports into the European Union, the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) or Free Trade Agreements with countries like Mexico or Canada can provide preferential tariff treatment. Importers must verify the specific terms and conditions of each agreement, including the applicable rules of origin and required documentation (e.g., EUR.1 certificate, statement on origin), to benefit from these reduced rates. The EU TARIC database and the USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule are essential resources for checking these provisions.