Product classification
HS code for Alumina refractories: 6903.20
Refractory ceramic goods, containing by weight more than 50% of alumina or of a mixture or compound of alumina and of silica, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths.
Classification of alumina refractories under HS 6903.20
Alumina refractories are classified under HS code 6903.20 because they are refractory ceramic goods characterized by a high alumina content. Chapter 69 covers "Ceramic products." Heading 6903 specifically addresses "Other refractory ceramic goods (for example, retorts, crucibles, muffles, nozzles, plugs, supports, cupels, tubes, pipes, sheaths and rods), other than those of siliceous fossil meals or of similar earths." The subheading 6903.20 precisely defines these goods as "Containing by weight more than 50% of alumina or of a mixture or compound of alumina and of silica." This classification is critical as the high alumina content directly correlates with the refractory properties, such as resistance to high temperatures and chemical attack, which are essential for their industrial applications.
- Covers
- High-alumina refractory bricks
- Alumina-silica refractory castables with >50% alumina
- Refractory ceramic crucibles with high alumina content
- Alumina refractory linings for furnaces
- Specialized refractory shapes made predominantly of alumina
- Also under 6903.20
- Morgan Advanced Materials alumina crucibles
- Saint-Gobain ceramic nozzles
- CoorsTek technical ceramics
- Kyocera industrial ceramic components
Codes often confused with 6903.20
Common mistake. Common misclassification for alumina refractories might occur with other refractory ceramic goods that do not meet the 50% alumina threshold. For instance, refractory goods with a lower alumina content or those primarily based on silica might fall under HS code 6902 (Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar ceramic constructional goods, other than those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths). Specifically, 6902.20 covers "Containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2O3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these products." The distinction between 6902 and 6903 lies in whether they are "bricks, blocks, tiles" (6902) or "other refractory ceramic goods" (6903). Additionally, confusion with non-refractory ceramic products (e.g., Chapter 69, other headings) is possible if the refractory nature is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS 690320 (the code used for alumina refractories), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 690320 (the code used for alumina refractories) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 690320, not only alumina refractories.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $160M 13% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $130M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $128M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $192M 15% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $72M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 Italy $69M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 codes for alumina refractories
Brazil splits HS 6903.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6903.20.10Crucibles over 50% alumina or alumina-silica
- 6903.20.20Lids and plugs over 50% alumina or alumina-silica
- 6903.20.30Tubes over 50% alumina or alumina-silica
- 6903.20.90Other refractories over 50% alumina/alumina-silica
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alumina refractories
What is the HS code for Alumina refractories?
The HS code for Alumina refractories is 690320 (Refractory ceramic goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina or of a mixture or compound of alumina and of silica, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths). The HS code for alumina refractories is 6903.20. This code applies to refractory ceramic goods containing by weight more than 50% of alumina or a mixture/compound of alumina and silica, excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals.
How do I classify Alumina refractories for customs?
Alumina refractories is classified under HS code 690320 — Refractory ceramic goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina or of a mixture or compound of alumina and of silica, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the significance of the 50% alumina content in classification?
The 50% alumina content threshold is a critical determinant for classification under HS code 6903.20. It distinguishes high-alumina refractories, which possess superior high-temperature resistance and chemical stability, from other refractory materials with lower alumina concentrations or different primary compositions, ensuring precise categorization based on material properties and performance.
Which countries are the top exporters of alumina refractories (HS 690320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 690320 (the code used for alumina refractories) in UN Comtrade data were China ($160M, 13% of world exports), Czechia ($130M) and the United States ($128M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 alumina refractories (HS 690320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 690320 (the code used for alumina refractories) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($192M, 15% of world imports), South Korea ($72M) and Italy ($69M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Alumina refractories the same in all countries?
The base HS code 690320 for Alumina refractories is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alumina refractories in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 690320 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for alumina refractories depends on the product's details: 6903.20.10 (Crucibles over 50% alumina or alumina-silica), 6903.20.20 (Lids and plugs over 50% alumina or alumina-silica), 6903.20.30 (Tubes over 50% alumina or alumina-silica), 6903.20.90 (Other refractories over 50% alumina/alumina-silica).