HS 690912 Articles having a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale
Quick Answer: Articles having a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale imported under HS 690912 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.00%, and the US at a range of rates including 45%, 4%, and Free for specific trade agreements. This classification specifically covers ceramic articles, such as those made from alumina or silicon carbide, valued for their extreme hardness, often used in industrial applications like grinding media, cutting tools, or wear-resistant components. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate variations, particularly the high MFN rate in the US, and explore available preferential trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6909120000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6909120000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6909120000 | 4% | Free (17 programs) | ["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 6909.12?
Imports of Articles having a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale 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 690912 cover?
This subheading covers articles of a kind used in laboratories, chemical or other technical uses, which possess a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes items like grinding or polishing stones, crucibles, muffles, and similar articles made from materials such as sintered alumina, zirconia, or silicon carbide, known for their extreme hardness and resistance to heat and chemical corrosion, often utilized in demanding industrial or scientific applications.
What falls outside HS 690912?
The following products are excluded from HS 690912: articles of heading 6909 that do not meet the minimum hardness requirement of 9 on the Mohs scale, such as common ceramic laboratory ware like beakers or flasks made from less durable materials. Additionally, articles of heading 6909 that are primarily for domestic or ornamental use, or those specifically designed for electrical insulation purposes (which may fall under other headings), are not classified here. For instance, ceramic tiles for flooring, even if hard, are classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 690912?
A common error is misinterpreting the "hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale" criterion. Importers may incorrectly assume any hard ceramic article qualifies. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) mandates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For example, articles made from materials like porcelain or earthenware that are not exceptionally hard and do not meet the Mohs 9 threshold are often mistakenly classified here, when they should be placed in other subheadings of 6909 or even other chapters.
How should importers classify products under HS 690912?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 690912 involves verifying the material composition and, crucially, confirming its hardness. Importers and customs brokers must obtain technical specifications or test results demonstrating a Mohs hardness of 9 or greater. This often requires consulting manufacturer data sheets or, if necessary, commissioning independent laboratory testing. Cross-referencing with the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, is essential to ensure accurate placement within the correct subheading.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 690912?
A specialized silicon carbide grinding wheel weighing 2.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $150.00 USD would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 10% of $150.00 = $15.00. This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 690912.0000, which covers articles of a kind used in laboratories, chemical or other technical uses, having a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 690912?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 690912, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating articles may benefit from a duty rate of Free. The primary origin country benefiting from this is Mexico. To claim this preferential rate, a self-certified origin statement, compliant with USMCA requirements, must be provided by the exporter to the importer. Other agreements, like the GSP for developing countries, might also offer reduced rates, often requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 690912, and how are preferential rates applied?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for articles having a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale (HS 690912) is typically 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates can significantly reduce or eliminate this. For example, under certain trade agreements, countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may benefit from duty-free entry (Free). Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment based on rules of origin.
How is the 'hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scale' determined for classification under HS 690912?
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a relative scale ranking the scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material. For classification under HS 690912, articles must demonstrate a hardness equivalent to or greater than corundum (which is rated 9 on the Mohs scale). This is typically verified through laboratory testing or by referencing the material's known properties, such as those of synthetic sapphire or diamond, which are commonly used in applications requiring extreme hardness. Manufacturers' specifications and material certifications are crucial for customs verification.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 690912?
When importing goods under HS code 690912, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, importers must provide evidence of the material's hardness. This can be in the form of a manufacturer's certificate of analysis (COA) or a laboratory test report confirming the Mohs hardness equivalent. If claiming preferential duty rates, a certificate of origin or other proof of compliance with the relevant trade agreement's rules of origin will be necessary.
Can you provide an example of how import duty is calculated for HS 690912?
Certainly. If a shipment of articles classified under HS 690912 has a declared customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem, the duty calculation would be: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.04 (Duty Rate) = $400 USD. If the goods originated from a country with a preferential duty rate of Free (e.g., under a Free Trade Agreement), the duty payable would be $0 USD, assuming all rules of origin are met.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 690912, and what are the general implications for importers?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS 690912. For instance, agreements with countries like Canada (under USMCA), South Korea (KORUS FTA), and Australia (AU) often grant reduced or duty-free entry. The primary implication for importers is significant cost savings on duties. However, to benefit, importers must ensure the goods meet the specific 'rules of origin' stipulated in each agreement, which often requires detailed documentation and supply chain traceability. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement text and relevant customs regulations for precise requirements.