Product classification

HS code for Earthenware tiles: 6907.23

Ceramic tiles, flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles other than those of subheadings 6907.30 and 6907.40, of a water absorption coefficient by weight over 10%.

Classification of earthenware tiles under HS 6907.23

Earthenware tiles are classified under HS code 6907.23 based on their material composition and physical properties, specifically their water absorption rate. The Harmonized System organizes ceramic products in Chapter 69, where heading 6907 covers unglazed or glazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles. The subheadings within 6907 are primarily differentiated by the water absorption coefficient by weight. Earthenware is characterized by a relatively high porosity compared to stoneware or porcelain. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, products must be classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For ceramic tiles, the water absorption test determines the specific subheading. Since earthenware tiles have a water absorption coefficient exceeding 10%, they fall squarely into 6907.23. This classification applies regardless of whether the tiles are glazed or unglazed, provided they meet the absorption threshold and are not specifically excluded by other subheadings like 6907.30 (mosaic cubes) or 6907.40 (finishing ceramics). The high porosity of earthenware makes it suitable for specific indoor wall applications where weight and moisture breathability are factors, distinguishing it from denser vitrified tiles.

Covers
  • Glazed earthenware wall tiles
  • Unglazed earthenware paving flags
  • Porous ceramic hearth tiles
  • Decorative earthenware tiles for interior use
  • Terracotta-style earthenware tiles with >10% absorption
Also under 6907.23
  • Fireclay Tile
  • Heath Ceramics
  • Zellige tiles (traditional Moroccan)
  • artisanal ceramic wall tiles

Codes often confused with 6907.23

Common mistake. Earthenware tiles are frequently misclassified under HS code 6907.21 or 6907.22. Code 6907.21 is reserved for porcelain tiles with a water absorption coefficient not exceeding 0.5%. Code 6907.22 is for stoneware tiles with a water absorption coefficient between 0.5% and 10%. Misclassification often occurs because the visual appearance of a glazed tile can mask its internal porosity. Importers must rely on technical data sheets and lab testing rather than visual inspection to ensure the correct code is applied. Additionally, mosaic tiles are classified under 6907.30 regardless of their absorption rate if they meet the size requirements for mosaics.

6907.21Ceramic tiles; flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles other than those of subheadings 6907.30 and 6907.40, of a water absorption coefficient by weight not over 0.5%6907.22Ceramic tiles; flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles other than those of subheadings 6907.30 and 6907.40, of a water absorption coefficient by weight over 0.5% but not over 10%6907.30Mosaic cubes and the like, other than those of subheading 6907.40

Top exporters and importers of HS 690723 (the code used for earthenware tiles), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 690723 (the code used for earthenware tiles) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 690723, not only earthenware tiles.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Spain $719M
  2. 2 China $247M
  3. 3 India $191M

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

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $260M
  2. 2 France $146M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $137M

World total: $1.9B 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 earthenware tiles

Brazil classifies earthenware tiles under NCM 6907.23.00: HS 6907.23 with 00 added.

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

Questions about earthenware tiles

What is the HS code for Earthenware tiles?

The HS code for Earthenware tiles is 690723 (Ceramic tiles; flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles other than those of subheadings 6907.30 and 6907.40, of a water absorption coefficient by weight over 10%). The HS code for earthenware tiles with a water absorption coefficient by weight exceeding 10% is 6907.23.

How do I classify Earthenware tiles for customs?

Earthenware tiles is classified under HS code 690723 — Ceramic tiles; flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles other than those of subheadings 6907.30 and 6907.40, of a water absorption coefficient by weight over 10%. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is water absorption measured for tile classification?

Water absorption is measured by the increase in mass of a tile after being saturated with water, expressed as a percentage of its dry mass, typically following the ISO 10545-3 standard method.

Which countries are the top exporters of earthenware tiles (HS 690723)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 690723 (the code used for earthenware tiles) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($719M, 36% of world exports), China ($247M) and India ($191M). 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 earthenware tiles (HS 690723)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 690723 (the code used for earthenware tiles) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($260M, 13% of world imports), France ($146M) and the United Kingdom ($137M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 Earthenware tiles the same in all countries?

The base HS code 690723 for Earthenware tiles 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 earthenware tiles in Brazil?

In Brazil, earthenware tiles (HS 690723) is classified under NCM 6907.23.00.