Product classification
HS code for Porcelain labware: 6909.11
Ceramic wares, for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, of porcelain or china.
Classification of porcelain labware under HS 6909.11
Porcelain labware is classified under HS code 690911. This classification falls within Chapter 69, which covers ceramic products. Heading 6909 is specifically designated for ceramic wares used for laboratory, chemical, or other technical purposes. The subheading 690911 is further refined to include only those items made of porcelain or china. These products are distinguished from general-purpose ceramic containers by their high resistance to thermal shock and chemical erosion, which are necessary for scientific and industrial applications. The classification process involves identifying the technical nature of the item and its material composition. Because these items are intended for specialized environments like laboratories or chemical plants rather than domestic use, they are excluded from headings like 6911 or 6912. The material must be porcelain, characterized by its vitrified and translucent nature, to meet the requirements of this specific subheading. This classification ensures that high-purity ceramic tools used in research and industry are correctly identified for customs and regulatory purposes.
- Covers
- Porcelain crucibles and covers
- Evaporating dishes and basins
- Combustion boats for elemental analysis
- Mortars and pestles for laboratory use
- Buchner funnels and filter discs
- Spot plates and spatulas
- Desiccator plates
- Also under 6909.11
- CoorsTek porcelain crucibles
- Haldenwanger evaporating dishes
- Corning labware
- Fisherbrand porcelain funnels
Codes often confused with 6909.11
Common mistake. Porcelain labware is often misclassified under HS code 6911, which covers porcelain tableware and kitchenware. The distinction lies in the intended use; 6911 is for domestic or household items, while 690911 is for technical and laboratory applications. Additionally, it may be confused with HS code 7017, which covers laboratory glassware. It is vital to verify the material composition, as 7017 is strictly for glass, not ceramic or porcelain.
Top exporters and importers of HS 690911 (the code used for porcelain labware), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 690911 (the code used for porcelain labware) 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 porcelain labware.
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 porcelain labware
Brazil classifies porcelain labware 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 porcelain labware
What is the HS code for Porcelain labware?
The HS code for Porcelain labware is 690911 (Ceramic wares; for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, of porcelain or china). The HS code for porcelain labware is 690911, which covers ceramic wares for laboratory or technical use made of porcelain.
How do I classify Porcelain labware for customs?
Porcelain labware 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.
Are porcelain mortars and pestles always 690911?
If they are designed for laboratory or technical use, they fall under 690911. If they are sold as decorative or standard kitchenware, they may fall under 6911.
Which countries are the top exporters of porcelain labware (HS 690911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 690911 (the code used for porcelain labware) 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 porcelain labware (HS 690911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 690911 (the code used for porcelain labware) 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 Porcelain labware the same in all countries?
The base HS code 690911 for Porcelain labware 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 porcelain labware in Brazil?
In Brazil, porcelain labware (HS 690911) is classified under NCM 6909.11.00.