Product classification
HS code for Ceramic decals: 4908.10
Printed matter, transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable.
Classification of ceramic decals under HS 4908.10
Ceramic decals, also known as vitrifiable transfers or decalcomanias, are classified under HS code 4908.10. This classification is found within Chapter 49, which covers printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry. While one might expect a ceramic-related product to be in Chapter 69, the Harmonized System classifies decals based on their nature as printed matter rather than the surface they will eventually decorate. Heading 4908 is specifically for transfers (decalcomanias). The subheading 4908.10 is designated for "vitrifiable" transfers. The term "vitrifiable" is the defining characteristic here; it refers to transfers printed with specialized inks containing glass frit or metallic oxides. When these decals are applied to ceramic or glass surfaces and fired in a kiln, the inks melt and fuse permanently with the substrate. This chemical and physical transformation during the firing process is what distinguishes vitrifiable decals from standard paper or plastic stickers. The classification under 4908.10 is essential for customs purposes because it identifies the product as a specialized industrial input for the ceramic and glassware decorating industries, rather than a general consumer stationery item.
- Covers
- Vitrifiable decals for porcelain dinnerware
- Heat-transfer decals for ceramic mugs
- Glassware transfers containing glass frit
- Enamel decals for metalware decoration
- Overglaze and underglaze ceramic transfers
- Screen-printed vitrifiable decalcomanias
- Digital ceramic decals for kiln firing
- Also under 4908.10
- Royal Doulton ceramic decals
- Lenox china transfers
- decorative glass panel decals
- custom mug decoration transfers
Codes often confused with 4908.10
Common mistake. Ceramic decals are frequently misclassified under HS code 4908.90, which is the category for "other" transfers that are not vitrifiable, such as temporary tattoos or standard dry-rub transfers. Another common error is attempting to classify them under Chapter 32 (specifically 3207) for prepared pigments and vitrifiable enamels. While the inks used in the decals fall under 3207, the finished printed transfer on a paper or plastic backing must be classified under 4908.10. Additionally, they should not be confused with self-adhesive stickers of Chapter 39, which do not require firing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490810 (the code used for ceramic decals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490810 (the code used for ceramic decals) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 27% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.8% of its imports here ($488K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 490810, not only ceramic decals.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $28M 28% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $23M 22% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$6.7M 6.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $102M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $33M 27% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $13M 10% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$13M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.8% of its imports here ($488K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $122M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 ceramic decals
Brazil classifies ceramic decals under NCM 4908.10.00: HS 4908.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about ceramic decals
What is the HS code for Ceramic decals?
The HS code for Ceramic decals is 490810 (Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable). The HS code for ceramic decals is 4908.10, which covers vitrifiable transfers (decalcomanias).
How do I classify Ceramic decals for customs?
Ceramic decals is classified under HS code 490810 — Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can standard stickers be used as ceramic decals?
No, standard stickers (Chapter 39) will burn off in a kiln. Only vitrifiable transfers under 4908.10 contain the glass frit necessary to fuse with the ceramic surface during high-temperature firing.
Which countries are the top exporters of ceramic decals (HS 490810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490810 (the code used for ceramic decals) in UN Comtrade data were China ($28M, 28% of world exports), Hong Kong ($23M) and Taiwan (about $6.7M). World exports came to about $102M, 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 ceramic decals (HS 490810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490810 (the code used for ceramic decals) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($33M, 27% of world imports), Indonesia ($13M) and Vietnam (about $13M). World imports came to about $122M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.8% of its imports here ($488K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Ceramic decals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490810 for Ceramic decals 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 ceramic decals in Brazil?
In Brazil, ceramic decals (HS 490810) is classified under NCM 4908.10.00.