HS 690721 Flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles, other than those of subheadings 6907 30 and 6907 40
Quick Answer: Ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles, not specified in subheadings 690730 and 690740, imported under HS 690721 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.00%, and the US at rates ranging from 10% to 55% or duty-free for specific trade agreements. This classification covers unglazed ceramic tiles primarily used for flooring, walls, and decorative hearths, excluding those with specific surface treatments or designs. Importers should verify specific preferential duty rates available under various Free Trade Agreements for the US market. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varying rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6907210000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6907210000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6907211005 | — | — | ["m<sup>2</sup>"] |
| 690721 | — | — | [] |
| 69072110 | 10% | Free (16 programs) | — |
| 69072190 | 8.5% | Free (16 programs) | — |
| 6907219051 | — | — | ["m<sup>2</sup>"] |
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 6907.21?
Imports of Flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles, other than those of subheadings 6907 30 and 6907 40 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, and 15 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 690721 cover?
This subheading covers ceramic flags, paving, hearth, or wall tiles that are not made of porous earthenware or stoneware, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WHS) Explanatory Notes. Specifically, it applies to tiles with a water absorption rate of 10% or less by weight. This includes vitrified tiles, porcelain tiles, and other dense ceramic tiles intended for flooring, wall cladding, and decorative hearth applications, as detailed in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database.
What falls outside HS 690721?
The following products are excluded from HS 690721: ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate exceeding 10% by weight, which fall under other subheadings within heading 6907. Also excluded are mosaic cubes and the like (6907.30) and finished ceramic articles such as sanitary ware or tableware (Chapters 6909 and 6911-6914). For instance, porous terracotta tiles used for roofing or decorative garden features would not be classified here, nor would glazed ceramic bricks.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 690721?
A common error is misinterpreting the water absorption rate, leading to incorrect classification. General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1 of the Harmonized System mandates classification based on the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Importers may mistakenly classify tiles with higher water absorption rates under this subheading or fail to distinguish between tiles and other ceramic products like mosaics or decorative elements, which have separate classifications.
How should importers classify products under HS 690721?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 690721 involves a thorough examination of the product's technical specifications, particularly its water absorption rate. Importers and customs brokers must consult the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., the UK Trade Tariff). If the water absorption rate is 10% or less by weight, and the product is a flag, paving, hearth, or wall tile, then HS 690721 is the appropriate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 690721?
A shipment of 1,000 square meters of polished porcelain floor tiles, weighing 20,000 kg and 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). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 690721?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 690721, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating tiles from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. For EU preferences, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement allows for duty-free entry for originating goods. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK preferences, depending on the specific jurisdiction and value thresholds.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 690721 (glazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 690721, which covers glazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles, is typically 5.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates can significantly reduce or eliminate this. For example, under certain trade agreements, goods from countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Dominican Republic (D), Ecuador (E), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and the United States (US) may enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and the relevant trade agreement to confirm applicable rates.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 690721, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 690721 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 5.00% and you import 100 square meters of tiles with a declared customs value of $500 USD, the duty would be calculated as: 5.00% of $500 USD = $25 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, but ad valorem is common for this classification. Always verify the basis of duty calculation with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria to ensure tiles fall under HS code 690721?
To be classified under HS code 690721, the goods must be ceramic flags, paving, hearth, or wall tiles that are glazed. This subheading specifically excludes tiles covered by subheadings 6907.30 (mosaic cubes and the like, whether or not on a backing) and 6907.40 (other ceramic tiles and tiling or paving, unglazed). Key factors for classification include the material composition (ceramic), the finish (glazed), and the intended use (flooring, walls, hearths). It's essential to review the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (HS) and the specific national tariff rulings for precise definitions and exclusions.
What documentation is typically required for importing glazed ceramic tiles under HS code 690721?
When importing glazed ceramic tiles under HS code 690721, standard import documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, you may also need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some jurisdictions may require product-specific certifications or declarations related to safety standards, quality, or environmental compliance. It is advisable for importers and customs brokers to consult the customs regulations of the destination country for a comprehensive list of required documents.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 690721?
Several major trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, including duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 690721. Examples include agreements between the US and countries like South Korea (US-Korea Free Trade Agreement), Chile (US-Chile Free Trade Agreement), and Colombia (US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement). The European Union's trade agreements with various partners also offer preferential treatment. Importers should verify if their specific trade relationship with the importing country is covered by an agreement that grants reduced or zero duties for this HS code, ensuring compliance with rules of origin.