HS 690911 Ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses
Quick Answer: Ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical, or other technical uses imported under HS 690911 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.00%, and the US with varying rates, including Free for certain trade agreements and 4.5% or 60% for others. This classification covers a range of non-dinnerware ceramic articles designed for specific industrial, scientific, or technical applications, such as crucibles, beakers, distillation apparatus, and insulators. Importers should carefully review the specific tariff schedules for each destination country, as preferential trade agreements can significantly impact duty liabilities. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate customs declarations and cost management.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6909110000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6909110000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6909114000 | 4.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 690911 | — | — | — |
| 6909112000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
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 6909.11?
Imports of Ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 690911 cover?
This subheading covers ceramic wares specifically designed and manufactured for laboratory, chemical, or other technical applications. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes items such as crucibles, evaporating dishes, beakers, flasks, funnels, and distillation apparatus made from porcelain or other technical ceramics. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that the key criterion is the intended technical use, not merely the shape or size, and these items are typically made from materials like alumina, silica, or zirconia for durability and chemical resistance.
What falls outside HS 690911?
The following products are excluded from HS 690911: ceramic wares for domestic use, such as dinnerware or kitchen utensils (classified under heading 6911 or 6912), ceramic tiles (heading 6907), ceramic sanitary ware (heading 6910), and ceramic building materials (heading 6904). Additionally, ceramic articles that are primarily for decorative purposes or for general industrial use not specifically technical in nature, such as grinding balls not intended for chemical processing, would not fall under this subheading and would require careful consideration of other relevant headings.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 690911?
A common error is misclassifying ceramic articles based solely on their appearance or general shape without considering their intended technical use. For instance, a ceramic beaker that is not made from a material suitable for chemical resistance or high temperatures, or is intended for household use, would not qualify. This often arises from not adhering to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. The specific technical properties and intended application are paramount.
How should importers classify products under HS 690911?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 690911 involves a thorough examination of the product's intended use and material composition. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the Explanatory Notes from the WCO. It is crucial to verify that the ceramic article is specifically designed for laboratory, chemical, or other technical functions, possessing properties like chemical inertness or thermal resistance, and is not intended for domestic or general decorative purposes.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 690911?
A porcelain laboratory beaker weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $50 USD would attract a US duty of $1.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 2.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 2.0% × $50 USD = $1.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 690911.0000. Note that specific countries may have different rates or additional duties.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 690911?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 690911, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement also offers a Free preferential rate for goods originating from the EU or UK. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK preferences, depending on the specific jurisdiction's requirements.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 690911 (Ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 690911 can vary. For example, the United States applies a rate of 3.5% ad valorem. Other countries may have different MFN rates. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country. For preferential rates, goods originating from countries with trade agreements may benefit from reduced or zero duties. For instance, under certain agreements, rates can be Free (A*, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Always verify the specific preferential program and origin requirements.
How is the import duty for HS 690911 calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for HS code 690911 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 3.5% ad valorem and you import ceramic laboratory wares valued at $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.035 (Duty Rate) = $350 USD. If there are also specific duties (e.g., per unit), these would be applied in addition or as an alternative, depending on the tariff structure. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS code 690911?
To be classified under HS code 690911, ceramic wares must be specifically designed and manufactured for laboratory, chemical, or other technical uses. This means they are intended for applications requiring resistance to chemical reactions, high temperatures, or mechanical stress, rather than for general household or decorative purposes. Examples include crucibles, evaporating dishes, distillation apparatus, filter plates, and other specialized laboratory equipment made of ceramics. The material composition (e.g., porcelain, stoneware) and the intended technical function are paramount for correct classification. Refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (WCO) for detailed guidance.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 690911?
When importing ceramic wares under HS code 690911, standard import documentation is required, which usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the goods, additional documentation may be necessary. This could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, and potentially a technical specification sheet or manufacturer's declaration confirming the goods' suitability for laboratory, chemical, or technical use. Importers should consult the customs regulations of the destination country for a comprehensive list.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 690911, and what are the implications?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 690911. For example, goods originating from countries party to the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may qualify for reduced or zero duties into the US, Canada, or Mexico, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, agreements between the EU and various countries (e.g., EU-Korea, EU-Canada CETA) can offer preferential treatment. The implication is a significant reduction or elimination of import duties, lowering the overall cost of goods. However, importers must obtain and present a valid Certificate of Origin or other proof of preferential origin as required by the specific trade agreement to benefit from these lower rates. Always verify the specific terms and origin criteria of the applicable trade agreement.