HS Code 69.04 – Ceramic building bricks, floor blocks, support or filler tiles and the like

HS code 6904 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ceramic building bricks, floor blocks, support or filler tiles and the like. Heading 6904 specifically covers ceramic building bricks, floor blocks, support or filler tiles, and similar goods used in general construction. This classification is distinct from the specialized ceramic products of 6901 (siliceous fossil meals) and 6902 (refractory goods), focusing on the more common, non-refractory ceramic materials used for structural purposes in buildings. It encompasses a wide range of products, from traditional clay bricks used in walls to specialized ceramic blocks for flooring and structural support. The scope is defined by their function as foundational or structural components in building construction. These products are fundamental to infrastructure development and residential/commercial building projects worldwide. Understanding this classification is crucial for importers, exporters, and customs brokers to ensure correct duty assessment, navigate local building codes, and comply with environmental standards related to material sourcing and manufacturing. This heading represents the core of ceramic products' contribution to the construction industry, forming the backbone of many architectural styles and building practices across different cultures and eras, reflecting a long history of ceramic use in construction within Chapter 69.

Common red clay bricks, hollow ceramic blocks, perforated building bricks, ceramic floor blocks, structural ceramic tiles (thick, load-bearing), terra cotta building bricks, facade bricks, load-bearing ceramic blocks, sound-insulating ceramic bricks, lightweight ceramic partition blocks, ceramic filler tiles for concrete slabs, support tiles for raised floors, architectural ceramic blocks, decorative building bricks (non-ornamental), paving bricks (ceramic), engineered ceramic bricks, glazed building bricks (structural), patio blocks (ceramic), ceramic wall blocks, kiln-fired clay bricks.

Misclassification under 6904 often occurs when the specific characteristics of other ceramic building materials are not fully appreciated. It can be confused with 6901 if the bricks are made from siliceous fossil meals, or with 6902 if they possess refractory properties. A common error is classifying thin ceramic tiles for wall or floor surfacing (6907 or 6908) under 6904; 6904 is for structural bricks, blocks, and thicker support/filler tiles, not decorative surface coverings. The key is the 'building brick, floor block, support or filler tile' function, implying structural or foundational use rather than mere surfacing.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6904 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 49% of world exports), Belgium ($242M) and the Netherlands ($159M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6904 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($346M, 22% of world imports), the United States ($70M) and Kazakhstan ($55M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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.

HS code 6904 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 69 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (69) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.