Product classification
HS code for Insulating bricks: 6901.00
Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths.
Classification of insulating bricks under HS 6901.00
HS code 6901.00 is a specific classification for ceramic goods, including bricks, blocks, and tiles, that are manufactured from siliceous fossil meals. These materials, which include kieselguhr, tripolite, and diatomite, are composed of the remains of microscopic organisms and are known for their exceptionally high silica content and naturally porous structure. These physical properties make the resulting ceramic products excellent thermal insulators, capable of withstanding high temperatures while preventing heat loss. The classification under 6901.00 is determined by the chemical and mineralogical composition of the raw material rather than just the shape or use of the final product. During manufacturing, these siliceous earths are typically mixed with binders, shaped, and then fired to create a lightweight, heat-resistant material. These bricks are primarily used in the construction of industrial furnaces, kilns, and boilers where thermal efficiency is paramount. It is critical to distinguish these from other refractory bricks classified under heading 6902. While 6902 covers bricks made from alumina, silica (in other forms), or magnesia, 6901.00 is exclusively for those made from siliceous fossil meals. The distinction is vital because the trade regulations and duties can vary significantly between these categories.
- Covers
- Kieselguhr insulating bricks
- Diatomite heat-insulating blocks
- Siliceous fossil meal tiles
- Lightweight insulating ceramic slabs
- Porous siliceous earth blocks for furnace linings
- Also under 6901.00
- Johns Manville insulating firebricks
- Imerys diatomite products
- Celite filter aids (in brick/block form)
- Promat high-temperature insulation
Codes often confused with 6901.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with heading 6902, which covers refractory bricks. While both are used in high-heat environments, 6902 is for bricks that are primarily heat-resistant (refractory) but not necessarily made from fossil meals. Another common error is using 6806, which covers mineral wools and expanded mineral materials. If the product is a fired ceramic, it must stay in Chapter 69. Standard building bricks made of common clay are classified under 6904.10 and should not be confused with these specialized insulating materials.
Top exporters and importers of HS 690100 (the code used for insulating bricks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 690100 (the code used for insulating bricks) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 17% of world imports. Ireland reports $309M of its chapter 69 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 690100, not only insulating bricks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $18M 18% of world exports
- 2 Spain $14M 15% of world exports
- 3 Italy $12M 12% of world exports
World total: $97M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $33M 17% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $31M 16% of world imports
- 3 France $7.3M 3.7% of world imports
Ireland reports $309M of its chapter 69 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $197M 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 insulating bricks
Brazil classifies insulating bricks under NCM 6901.00.00: HS 6901.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about insulating bricks
What is the HS code for Insulating bricks?
The HS code for Insulating bricks is 690100 (Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths). The HS code for insulating bricks made of siliceous fossil meals is 6901.00.
How do I classify Insulating bricks for customs?
Insulating bricks is classified under HS code 690100 — Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil meals (e.g. kieselguhr, tripolite or diatomite) or of similar siliceous earths. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these the same as firebricks?
Not necessarily. Firebricks are usually refractory bricks classified under 6902; 6901.00 is specifically for those with high insulation properties made from fossil meals.
Which countries are the top exporters of insulating bricks (HS 690100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 690100 (the code used for insulating bricks) in UN Comtrade data were France ($18M, 18% of world exports), Spain ($14M) and Italy ($12M). World exports came to about $97M, 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 insulating bricks (HS 690100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 690100 (the code used for insulating bricks) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($33M, 17% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($31M) and France ($7.3M). World imports came to about $197M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Ireland reports $309M of its chapter 69 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Insulating bricks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 690100 for Insulating bricks 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 insulating bricks in Brazil?
In Brazil, insulating bricks (HS 690100) is classified under NCM 6901.00.00.