HS 681591 Other articles
Quick Answer: Articles of mineral substances, not elsewhere specified or included, imported under HS 681591 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US with a range of rates including Free and 30% under the MFN rate. This classification is a residual category, encompassing a wide array of finished or semi-finished goods made from materials like stone, plaster, cement, or mica, that do not fit into more specific headings within Chapter 68. Importers should exercise caution, as the broad nature of this code necessitates careful review of product composition and intended use to ensure correct classification and avoid potential duty discrepancies. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the need for precise documentation to navigate varying tariff treatments across major markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6815910000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6815910000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68159100 | Free | — | — |
| 6815910011 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 6815910071 | — | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 681591 cover?
This subheading covers "Other articles of mineral substances or of ceramic materials, not elsewhere specified or included," as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature. This includes articles made from materials like mica, asbestos, graphite, or other mineral substances, as well as ceramic articles, that do not fit into more specific headings within Chapter 68. For example, certain composite materials or articles formed from these mineral substances, not specifically enumerated, would fall here. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system provide detailed interpretations and specific examples of covered goods.
What falls outside HS 681591?
The following products are excluded from HS 681591: articles of stone or of gypsum, cement, concrete or artificial stone (heading 6801 to 6810); articles of abrasive material (heading 6804); refractory ceramic goods (heading 6902); ceramic wares for household or sanitary purposes (heading 6911 to 6912); ceramic building materials (heading 6904 to 6906); and ceramic articles for technical uses (heading 6909). For instance, ceramic tiles for flooring, while ceramic, are classified under heading 6907, not 681591.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 681591?
A common error is misinterpreting the "not elsewhere specified or included" clause. Importers may incorrectly classify articles that have a more specific HS code under this residual subheading. For example, articles made primarily of graphite for specific industrial applications might be classifiable under a more precise heading if one exists, rather than under 681591. Adherence to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 1 and GRI 3, is crucial to avoid such mistakes.
How should importers classify products under HS 681591?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 681591 involves a systematic approach. First, consult the WCO HS Nomenclature and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff). Determine the primary material composition and intended use of the article. If the article is made of mineral substances or ceramic materials and does not clearly fit into any other heading or subheading of Chapter 68 or other chapters, then 681591 becomes a strong candidate. Always verify with customs authorities or a qualified customs broker if uncertainty remains.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 681591?
A shipment of 500 kilograms of mica-based insulation boards, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($2,500 USD × 0.05 = $125.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 6815.91.1000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 681591?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 681591, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free entry for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a valid origin declaration is required, while for GSP, a Form A certificate of origin is typically needed.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 681591?
Import duty rates for HS code 681591, 'Other articles of mineral substances or of ceramic whereof 681591 is 'Other articles', vary significantly by importing country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 3.5% ad valorem. In contrast, the European Union's TARIC system may list a rate of 0.00% for certain origins, and the UK Trade Tariff also shows a 0.00% duty for many trade partners. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the applicable duty rate.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 681591, assuming a 3.5% ad valorem rate?
The duty for HS code 681591 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of 'other articles' of mineral substances valued at $10,000 USD is imported into the United States, and the MFN duty rate is 3.5%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.035 (Duty Rate) = $350.00. Always ensure the customs value is correctly determined according to the relevant valuation rules (e.g., WTO Customs Valuation Agreement).
What documentation is generally required for importing goods classified under HS 681591?
While specific requirements vary by country, common documentation for importing goods under HS code 681591 includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, and value of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and potentially a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are claimed under a trade agreement. Some 'other articles' might require specific safety or compliance certificates depending on their composition and intended use, so verifying with the destination country's customs authority is recommended.
Do trade agreements like USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements affect the duty rates for HS code 681591?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 681591. For example, goods originating from countries that are parties to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may be eligible for duty-free entry into the United States, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, the EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that can reduce or eliminate duties on goods imported into the EU from partner countries. Importers must obtain a valid certificate of origin to claim preferential treatment under these agreements.
What are the criteria for classifying articles under 'Other articles of mineral substances or of ceramic whereof 681591 is 'Other articles''?
HS code 681591 serves as a residual category for articles made from mineral substances (like graphite, asbestos, mica, or cement) or ceramic materials that are not specifically covered by other headings within Chapter 68 of the Harmonized System. Classification under 681591 requires that the article's primary component is a mineral substance or ceramic, and it does not fit into more specific headings such as those for refractory bricks, tiles, or articles of graphite. If an article has multiple components, the classification is determined by the principle of essential character, often based on the material that gives the article its fundamental nature or function.