Product classification
HS code for Laboratory porcelain: 6909.11
Ceramic wares, for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, of porcelain or china.
Classification of laboratory porcelain under HS 6909.11
Laboratory porcelain is classified under HS code 6909.11 because it falls within Chapter 69, which covers ceramic products. Specifically, heading 6909 is reserved for ceramic wares designed for laboratory, chemical, or other technical uses. The subheading 6909.11 is designated for articles made of porcelain or china. To qualify for this classification, the item must possess high resistance to chemical attack and thermal shock, characteristics essential for laboratory environments. Unlike decorative or domestic ceramics, these items are manufactured with precise tolerances and specific material compositions to withstand extreme temperatures and corrosive substances. The classification logic follows the material composition (ceramic) and the intended technical application, distinguishing it from general-purpose ceramic containers or household tableware. Furthermore, the Harmonized System distinguishes between porcelain (a translucent, vitrified ceramic) and other types of stoneware or earthenware, which would fall under 6909.12 or 6909.19. The technical nature of these goods is defined by their use in scientific research, industrial analysis, or chemical processing, where standard ceramic materials would fail due to porosity or lack of chemical inertness.
- Covers
- Porcelain crucibles and covers
- Evaporating dishes and basins
- Combustion boats
- Mortars and pestles for laboratory use
- Spatulas and filter plates
- Porcelain funnels (e.g., Buchner funnels)
- Crucible supports and triangles
- Also under 6909.11
- CoorsTek porcelain crucibles
- Haldenwanger evaporating dishes
- Corning labware
- Fisherbrand porcelain funnels
Codes often confused with 6909.11
Common mistake. Laboratory porcelain is frequently confused with laboratory glassware classified under HS code 7017. While they serve similar functions, the material composition is the primary determinant. Additionally, porcelain items intended for domestic use or general storage are classified under 6911.10 (tableware) or 6914.10 (other ceramic articles). It is crucial to verify if the item is made of porcelain or another ceramic material like stoneware (6909.12), as the duty rates and regulations may differ.
Top exporters and importers of HS 690911 (the code used for laboratory porcelain), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 690911 (the code used for laboratory porcelain) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% of world imports. Taiwan 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 7.0% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 690911, not only laboratory porcelain.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $232M 40% of world exports
- 2 China $120M 21% of world exports
- 3 Japan $42M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $573M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $214M 30% of world imports
- 2 China $95M 13% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $85M 12% of world imports
Taiwan 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 7.0% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $708M 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 laboratory porcelain
Brazil classifies laboratory porcelain under NCM 6909.11.00: HS 6909.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about laboratory porcelain
What is the HS code for Laboratory porcelain?
The HS code for Laboratory porcelain is 690911 (Ceramic wares; for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, of porcelain or china). The specific HS code for laboratory porcelain is 6909.11, which covers ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical, or other technical uses made of porcelain or china.
How do I classify Laboratory porcelain for customs?
Laboratory porcelain is classified under HS code 690911 — Ceramic wares; for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, of porcelain or china. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include porcelain used in medical clinics?
Yes, as long as the porcelain is used for technical or chemical analysis purposes, it falls under 6909.11. However, porcelain dental fittings or medical instruments made of other materials would be classified in Chapter 90.
Which countries are the top exporters of laboratory porcelain (HS 690911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 690911 (the code used for laboratory porcelain) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($232M, 40% of world exports), China ($120M) and Japan ($42M). World exports came to about $573M, 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 laboratory porcelain (HS 690911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 690911 (the code used for laboratory porcelain) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($214M, 30% of world imports), China ($95M) and South Korea ($85M). World imports came to about $708M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 7.0% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Laboratory porcelain the same in all countries?
The base HS code 690911 for Laboratory porcelain 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 laboratory porcelain in Brazil?
In Brazil, laboratory porcelain (HS 690911) is classified under NCM 6909.11.00.