HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 69.13 – Statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles
What HS 69.13 covers
Heading 6913 specifically covers 'Statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles,' distinguishing them from functional household items or industrial ceramics. This classification encompasses a wide array of ceramic products whose primary purpose is decorative or aesthetic, rather than utilitarian. Examples include ceramic figurines, sculptures, purely ornamental vases, decorative plates (not for serving food), ceramic wall hangings, and garden ornaments like gnomes. The scope is clearly defined by the 'ornamental' aspect, meaning the item's main value lies in its decorative appeal, even if it might have a secondary, minor functional attribute (e.g., a decorative vase that could technically hold flowers, but is bought for its artistic merit). Key sub-categories often relate to themes (e.g., animal figurines, religious statuettes) or artistic styles. Correct classification is critical for trade compliance as ornamental items can be subject to different tariff rates, luxury taxes, or cultural heritage regulations compared to functional ceramics. Intellectual property rights are also a significant concern, especially for reproductions or unique designs. This heading is a vital component of Chapter 69, providing a distinct category for the artistic and decorative side of ceramic production, reflecting global appreciation for ceramic artistry and craftsmanship.
- Covers
- Ceramic animal figurines
- Decorative ceramic vases
- Ornamental ceramic plates (wall decor)
- Ceramic sculptures
- Garden gnomes (ceramic)
- Ceramic busts
- Miniature ceramic houses
- Ceramic wall art
- Decorative ceramic candle holders
- Ceramic centerpieces
- Ceramic Christmas ornaments
- Ceramic art pieces
- Ceramic masks
- Decorative ceramic urns (non-functional)
- Ceramic incense burners (decorative)
- Ceramic picture frames
- Ceramic bookends (decorative)
- Ceramic mosaic pieces (purely decorative)
- Ceramic bird baths (ornamental)
- Ceramic garden lanterns (decorative)
- Ceramic abstract forms
- Ceramic trophies
- Ceramic souvenir items
- Ceramic decorative boxes
- Ceramic decorative bowls.
- Examples
A boutique art gallery in Paris imports a collection of unique, hand-painted ceramic sculptures and decorative vases from Italy, often sourced from artisan studios in Tuscany, shipping them via road freight across Europe. A large gift shop chain in the United States regularly brings in thousands of ceramic animal figurines and garden gnomes from China and Vietnam, utilizing trans-Pacific ocean routes to stock its stores for seasonal sales. An Australian interior design firm imports high-end ornamental ceramic wall hangings and decorative plates from Mexico and Spain, focusing on unique designs for luxury residential projects. Furthermore, a Japanese souvenir company exports intricately designed miniature ceramic temples and cultural figurines to tourist destinations across Southeast Asia, capitalizing on regional trade agreements.
Subheadings under 69.13 2
Codes often confused with 69.13
Common mistake. A common misclassification for Heading 6913 is confusing ornamental items with functional household articles. Traders might incorrectly classify decorative ceramic vases or plates under 6912 ('Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles...'), failing to recognize their primary ornamental purpose. Another frequent error is misclassifying genuine 'works of art' (Chapter 97) as mere ornamental ceramic articles, which can lead to different tariff treatments and customs procedures, as Chapter 97 items often have specific duty exemptions or cultural import regulations. Conversely, some industrial ceramic items with an aesthetic appeal might be mistakenly placed here instead of 6914 ('Ceramic articles; n.e.c. in chapter 69') or a more specific industrial ceramic heading. The key distinction is whether the article's primary function is decorative or utilitarian, and if it meets the specific criteria for 'works of art'.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 6913, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 6913 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.3B 54% of world exports
- 2 Germany $159M 6.9% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$128M 5.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $546M 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $184M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $145M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.
Questions about HS 69.13
What is HS code 6913?
HS code 6913 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles. Heading 6913 specifically covers 'Statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles,' distinguishing them from functional household items or industrial ceramics. This classification encompasses a wide array of ceramic products whose primary purpose is decorative or aesthetic, rather than utilitarian. Examples include ceramic figurines, sculptures, purely ornamental vases, decorative plates (not for serving food), ceramic wall hangings, and garden ornaments like gnomes. The scope is clearly defined by the 'ornamental' aspect, meaning the item's main value lies in its decorative appeal, even if it might have a secondary, minor functional attribute (e.g., a decorative vase that could technically hold flowers, but is bought for its artistic merit). Key sub-categories often relate to themes (e.g., animal figurines, religious statuettes) or artistic styles. Correct classification is critical for trade compliance as ornamental items can be subject to different tariff rates, luxury taxes, or cultural heritage regulations compared to functional ceramics. Intellectual property rights are also a significant concern, especially for reproductions or unique designs. This heading is a vital component of Chapter 69, providing a distinct category for the artistic and decorative side of ceramic production, reflecting global appreciation for ceramic artistry and craftsmanship.
What products fall under HS code 6913?
Ceramic animal figurines, decorative ceramic vases, ornamental ceramic plates (wall decor), ceramic sculptures, garden gnomes (ceramic), ceramic busts, miniature ceramic houses, ceramic wall art, decorative ceramic candle holders, ceramic centerpieces, ceramic Christmas ornaments, ceramic art pieces, ceramic masks, decorative ceramic urns (non-functional), ceramic incense burners (decorative), ceramic picture frames, ceramic bookends (decorative), ceramic mosaic pieces (purely decorative), ceramic bird baths (ornamental), ceramic garden lanterns (decorative), ceramic abstract forms, ceramic trophies, ceramic souvenir items, ceramic decorative boxes, ceramic decorative bowls.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6913?
A common misclassification for Heading 6913 is confusing ornamental items with functional household articles. Traders might incorrectly classify decorative ceramic vases or plates under 6912 ('Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles...'), failing to recognize their primary ornamental purpose. Another frequent error is misclassifying genuine 'works of art' (Chapter 97) as mere ornamental ceramic articles, which can lead to different tariff treatments and customs procedures, as Chapter 97 items often have specific duty exemptions or cultural import regulations. Conversely, some industrial ceramic items with an aesthetic appeal might be mistakenly placed here instead of 6914 ('Ceramic articles; n.e.c. in chapter 69') or a more specific industrial ceramic heading. The key distinction is whether the article's primary function is decorative or utilitarian, and if it meets the specific criteria for 'works of art'.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 6913?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6913 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 54% of world exports), Germany ($159M) and Vietnam (about $128M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 6913?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6913 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($546M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($184M) and the Netherlands ($145M). World imports 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.
How is HS code 6913 structured?
HS code 6913 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 69 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (69) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.