HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 6901.00 – Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths
HS code 6901.00 is the 6-digit subheading for bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths. It is used for diatomite insulating bricks, kieselguhr blocks, tripolite tiles, siliceous earth filter plates and lightweight refractory bricks.
What HS 6901.00 covers
This HS code specifically covers bricks, blocks, tiles, and other ceramic goods manufactured from siliceous fossil meals, such as kieselguhr, tripolite, or diatomite, or similar siliceous earths. These materials are characterized by their lightweight, porous structure and excellent thermal insulating properties, making them ideal for high-temperature applications where energy efficiency is critical. They are primarily used as insulating firebricks in industrial furnaces, kilns, boilers, and other thermal processing equipment across sectors like metallurgy, glass, and ceramics. Importers are typically industries requiring efficient thermal management and insulation solutions. Exporters are countries with natural deposits of these siliceous earths and the manufacturing expertise to produce these specialized ceramic goods. Key features include their low thermal conductivity, high porosity, and relatively low density compared to other refractory materials.
- Covers
- Diatomite insulating bricks
- Kieselguhr blocks
- Tripolite tiles
- Siliceous earth filter plates
- Lightweight refractory bricks
- Insulating firebricks (diatomite-based)
- Diatomaceous earth ceramic shapes
- Examples
- Johns Manville insulating firebricks
- Imerys diatomite products
- Celite filter aids (in brick/block form)
- Promat high-temperature insulation
Codes often confused with 6901.00
Common mistake. Often confused with other refractory bricks in 6902 due to similar applications, but 690100 is specifically defined by its raw material (siliceous fossil meals).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 690100, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 690100 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 17% of world imports. Ireland reports $309M of its chapter 69 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $18M 18% of world exports
- 2 Spain $14M 15% of world exports
- 3 Italy $12M 12% of world exports
World total: $97M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $33M 17% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $31M 16% of world imports
- 3 France $7.3M 3.7% of world imports
Ireland reports $309M of its chapter 69 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $197M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 6901.00
Brazil does not split HS 6901.00: its NCM code is 6901.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 69.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 6901.00
What is HS code 690100?
HS code 690100 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths. This HS code specifically covers bricks, blocks, tiles, and other ceramic goods manufactured from siliceous fossil meals, such as kieselguhr, tripolite, or diatomite, or similar siliceous earths. These materials are characterized by their lightweight, porous structure and excellent thermal insulating properties, making them ideal for high-temperature applications where energy efficiency is critical. They are primarily used as insulating firebricks in industrial furnaces, kilns, boilers, and other thermal processing equipment across sectors like metallurgy, glass, and ceramics. Importers are typically industries requiring efficient thermal management and insulation solutions. Exporters are countries with natural deposits of these siliceous earths and the manufacturing expertise to produce these specialized ceramic goods. Key features include their low thermal conductivity, high porosity, and relatively low density compared to other refractory materials.
What products fall under HS code 690100?
Diatomite insulating bricks, Kieselguhr blocks, Tripolite tiles, Siliceous earth filter plates, Lightweight refractory bricks, Insulating firebricks (diatomite-based), Diatomaceous earth ceramic shapes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 690100?
Often confused with other refractory bricks in 6902 due to similar applications, but 690100 is specifically defined by its raw material (siliceous fossil meals).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 690100?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 690100 in UN Comtrade data were France ($18M, 18% of world exports), Spain ($14M) and Italy ($12M). World exports came to about $97M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 690100?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 690100 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($33M, 17% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($31M) and France ($7.3M). World imports came to about $197M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Ireland reports $309M of its chapter 69 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 690100 structured?
HS code 690100 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (69) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 690100?
In Brazil, HS code 690100 is NCM 6901.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.