HS Code 69.12 – Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles; other than of porcelain or china

HS code 6912 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles; other than of porcelain or china. Heading 6912 covers a broad category of ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles, and toilet articles, specifically excluding those made of porcelain or china. This distinction is crucial, as porcelain and china fall under Heading 6911. Articles classified here are typically made from earthenware, stoneware, or other non-porcelain ceramic materials, known for their durability, rustic appeal, and often lower cost compared to fine china. This encompasses a vast array of everyday items used in homes globally, from dinner plates and mugs to baking dishes, serving platters, flower pots, and bathroom accessories like soap dishes and toothbrush holders. The scope is defined by both material (non-porcelain/china ceramic) and function (household or toilet articles). Key sub-categories include dining ware, cooking ware, decorative household ceramics (if primarily functional), and sanitary articles not permanently fixed. Classification under this heading is vital for trade compliance due to varying tariff rates, potential anti-dumping duties on specific products from certain countries (e.g., ceramic dinnerware from China), and compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly concerning lead and cadmium content in food-contact items. Historically, these ceramics represent traditional craftsmanship and industrial production, reflecting cultural tastes and evolving manufacturing techniques within Chapter 69, which broadly covers ceramic products.

Stoneware dinner plates, earthenware mugs, ceramic serving bowls, terracotta baking dishes, ceramic casseroles, glazed ceramic flower pots, stoneware vases (functional), ceramic soap dishes, ceramic toothbrush holders, ceramic toilet brush holders, pet food bowls (ceramic), ceramic salt and pepper shakers, ceramic utensil crocks, cookie jars (non-porcelain), ceramic canisters, earthenware teapots, ceramic coffee pots, butter dishes (ceramic), ceramic ramekins, mortar and pestle sets (ceramic), ceramic measuring cups, ceramic pitchers, ceramic platters, ceramic bread bins, ceramic utensil holders.

Common misclassifications for Heading 6912 often involve confusing 'non-porcelain or china' ceramics with their counterparts. The most frequent error is classifying porcelain or china tableware under 6912 instead of 6911, which explicitly covers 'Porcelain or china tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles.' Another mistake is classifying purely ornamental ceramic items, like figurines or decorative plaques, here instead of under 6913 ('Statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles'), where the primary function is aesthetic rather than utilitarian. Lastly, some general ceramic articles not specifically for household or toilet use might be incorrectly placed here instead of 6914 ('Ceramic articles; n.e.c. in chapter 69'), which serves as the residual heading for ceramic products. The key is to strictly adhere to the material type (not porcelain/china) and functional purpose (household/toilet).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6912 in UN Comtrade data were China ($489M, 20% of world exports), Portugal ($291M) and the Netherlands ($167M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 6912 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($978M, 24% of world imports), Germany ($366M) and the United Kingdom ($226M). World imports came to about $4.1B, 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.

HS code 6912 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 69 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (69) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (12) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.