Product classification
HS code for Refractory bricks: 6902.20
Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods, containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these.
Classification of refractory bricks under HS 6902.20
Refractory bricks under HS code 6902.20 are defined by their ability to withstand temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius and their specific chemical composition. This code is reserved for ceramic constructional goods containing more than 50% by weight of alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2), or a mixture of both. These materials are essential for lining furnaces, kilns, and reactors in the steel, cement, and glass industries. The classification depends strictly on the chemical analysis of the brick. If the alumina or silica content falls below the 50% threshold, or if other elements like magnesium or chromium predominate, the product must be classified elsewhere within heading 6902. The manufacturing process involves high-pressure pressing followed by firing at high temperatures to create a ceramic bond. These bricks are valued for their thermal stability, resistance to chemical corrosion from slag, and structural integrity under extreme heat loads.
- Covers
- High-alumina refractory bricks
- Silica bricks for coke ovens
- Fireclay bricks with >50% Al2O3/SiO2
- Refractory blocks for glass furnace crowns
- Alumina-silica checker bricks
- Also under 6902.20
- Saint-Gobain high-alumina refractories
- HarbisonWalker International fireclay bricks
- Morgan Advanced Materials mullite products
- Shinagawa Refractories silica bricks
Codes often confused with 6902.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 6902.10, which is for bricks containing more than 50% of magnesium, calcium, or chromium. Importers also confuse these with HS code 6810, which covers non-refractory cement or concrete bricks. Additionally, if the bricks are not fired (chemically bonded only), they might be incorrectly placed in 3816.00, though 6902 generally requires a ceramic bond formed by heat.
Top exporters and importers of HS 690220 (the code used for refractory bricks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 690220 (the code used for refractory bricks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.9% 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 690220, not only refractory bricks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $682M 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $267M 14% of world exports
- 3 India $150M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $150M 7.9% of world imports
- 2 India $144M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $86M 4.5% of world imports
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 codes for refractory bricks
Brazil splits HS 6902.20 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6902.20.10Silico-aluminous refractory bricks
- 6902.20.91Other silico-aluminous refractory goods
- 6902.20.92Siliceous, semi-siliceous or silica refractories
- 6902.20.93Sillimanite refractory goods
- 6902.20.99Other refractories over 50% alumina and/or silica
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about refractory bricks
What is the HS code for Refractory bricks?
The HS code for Refractory bricks is 690220 (Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these). The HS code for refractory bricks containing more than 50% alumina or silica is 6902.20.
How do I classify Refractory bricks for customs?
Refractory bricks is classified under HS code 690220 — Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 6902.10 and 6902.20?
Classification depends on chemical weight; 6902.10 is for magnesite/chromite-based bricks, while 6902.20 is for alumina/silica-based bricks.
Which countries are the top exporters of refractory bricks (HS 690220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 690220 (the code used for refractory bricks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($682M, 35% of world exports), Germany ($267M) and India ($150M). 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 refractory bricks (HS 690220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 690220 (the code used for refractory bricks) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($150M, 7.9% of world imports), India ($144M) and Germany ($86M). 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 Refractory bricks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 690220 for Refractory 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 refractory bricks in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 690220 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for refractory bricks depends on the product's details: 6902.20.10 (Silico-aluminous refractory bricks), 6902.20.91 (Other silico-aluminous refractory goods), 6902.20.92 (Siliceous, semi-siliceous or silica refractories), 6902.20.93 (Sillimanite refractory goods), 6902.20.99 (Other refractories over 50% alumina and/or silica).