Product classification

HS code for Ceramic items: 6914.90

Ceramic articles n.e.c. in chapter 69, other than of porcelain or china.

Classification of ceramic items under HS 6914.90

HS code 691490 serves as a residual classification for ceramic articles that are not specifically mentioned or included in other headings of Chapter 69 or elsewhere in the Harmonized System. Chapter 69 is dedicated to ceramic products, and heading 6914 is the catch-all category for other ceramic articles. The subheading 691490 is specifically for items made of ceramic materials other than porcelain or china, which fall under 691410. This includes products made from earthenware, stoneware, or common clay. Classification under this code is appropriate when the article does not have a specific functional heading, such as tableware (6911/6912), statuettes (6913), or refractory goods (6901-6903). It is often used for industrial components, non-ornamental household items, and various miscellaneous ceramic goods. The classification process involves first checking if the item fits into any specific functional category; if no such category exists and the item is not porcelain, 691490 is the correct designation. These items are typically fired after shaping to achieve their final hardness and durability, but they lack the translucency and specific composition of porcelain.

Covers
  • Ceramic non-ornamental flower pots not for decoration
  • Ceramic signs, letters, and numerals
  • Ceramic handles and knobs for furniture non-electrical
  • Ceramic stoppers and closures for bottles
  • General industrial ceramic parts not elsewhere specified
  • Ceramic humidifiers for radiators
Also under 6914.90
  • Specific industrial ceramic parts from companies like Saint-Gobain
  • custom pottery studio pieces
  • garden decor manufacturers
  • specialized refractory ceramics

Codes often confused with 6914.90

Common mistake. A common error is classifying porcelain items under 691490; these must be classified under 691410. Another frequent misclassification involves decorative items or statuettes, which should be placed under 6913. If the ceramic item has a specific function, such as a kitchen tool, it might belong in 6911 (porcelain) or 6912 (other ceramics). Furthermore, if the item is an electrical component, it should be moved to Chapter 85, such as 8546 or 8547. It is also important to distinguish these from refractory ceramic goods, which are classified in headings 6901 through 6903 based on their ability to withstand high temperatures in industrial furnaces.

6914.10Ceramic articles n.e.c. in chapter 69; of porcelain or china69.13Statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles69.11Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles; of porcelain or china69.12Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles; other than of porcelain or china85.46Electrical insulators of any material85.47Insulating fittings; for electrical machines, appliances, equipment, excluding insulators of heading no. 8546, electrical conduit tubing and joints therefore69.01Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths69.03Ceramic goods; (e.g. retorts, crucibles, muffles, nozzles, plugs, supports cupels, tubes, pipes, sheaths, rods and slide gates) excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or of similar siliceous earths

Top exporters and importers of HS 691490 (the code used for ceramic items), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 691490 (the code used for ceramic items) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 13% 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 691490, not only ceramic items.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $405M
  2. 2 Spain $384M
  3. 3 Japan $115M

World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Thailand $260M
  2. 2 United States $155M
  3. 3 China $138M

World total: $2.0B 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 code for ceramic items

Brazil classifies ceramic items under NCM 6914.90.00: HS 6914.90 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about ceramic items

What is the HS code for Ceramic items?

The HS code for Ceramic items is 691490 (Ceramic articles n.e.c. in chapter 69; other than of porcelain or china). The HS code for miscellaneous ceramic items other than porcelain is 691490.

How do I classify Ceramic items for customs?

Ceramic items is classified under HS code 691490 — Ceramic articles n.e.c. in chapter 69; other than of porcelain or china. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include ceramic jewelry?

No, ceramic jewelry is typically classified under Chapter 71 as imitation jewelry, specifically under heading 7117.

Which countries are the top exporters of ceramic items (HS 691490)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 691490 (the code used for ceramic items) in UN Comtrade data were China ($405M, 21% of world exports), Spain ($384M) and Japan ($115M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 items (HS 691490)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 691490 (the code used for ceramic items) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($260M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($155M) and China ($138M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 Ceramic items the same in all countries?

The base HS code 691490 for Ceramic items 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 items in Brazil?

In Brazil, ceramic items (HS 691490) is classified under NCM 6914.90.00.