6909 19Select TARIC subcode
Other
Available TARIC subcodes: 8
6909 190020
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) rollers or balls
Duty 0-5%VAT 23%
6909 190025
Ceramic proppants, containing aluminium oxide, silicon oxide and iron oxide
Duty 0-5%VAT 23%
6909 190030
Supports for catalysts, consisting of porous cordierite or mullite ceramic pieces, of an overall volume of not more than 65 l, having, per cm² of the cross-section, not less than one continuous channel which may be open at both ends or stopped at one end
Duty 0-5%VAT 23%
6909 190040
extruded fired ceramic bound multicellular cylindrical structure, -5 % or more by weight but not more than 70 % by weight of activated carbon, -30 % or more by weight but no more than 90 % by weight of ceramic binder, -with a diameter of 29 mm or more but no more than 41 mm, -a length of not more than 150 mm, -fired at temperature of 800 °C or more
Duty 0-5%VAT 23%
6909 190050
2 % or more of diboron trioxide, - 28 % or less of silicon dioxide and - 60 % or more of dialuminium trioxide
Duty 0-5%VAT 23%
6909 190060
Supports for catalysts, consisting of porous ceramic pieces, of a blend of silicon carbide and silicon, with a hardness of less than 9 on the Mohs scale, with a total volume of not more than 65 litres, having, per cm² of the surface of the cross section one or more closed channels at the tail end
Duty 0-5%VAT 23%
6909 190070
Supports for catalysts or filters, consisting of porous ceramics made primarily from oxides of aluminium and titanium; with a total volume of not more than 65 litres and at least one duct (open on one or both ends) per cm² of cross section
Duty 0-5%VAT 23%
6909 190090
Other
Duty 0-5%VAT 23%
Scope of classification — subheading 690919 technical ceramics
CN subheading 690919 covers ceramic articles for technical use other than those falling within subheading 690911, including: ceramic grinding media, balls and cylinders for ball mills, protective conduits and tubes for electrical installations, ceramic kiln furniture (setters, supports, saggers), ceramic spray nozzles, ceramic seals and gaskets, insulating bodies and other ceramic components used in technical and industrial processes. The decisive classification criterion is the technical and industrial purpose of the product, which distinguishes this subheading from decorative or tableware ceramics elsewhere in Chapter 69. Subheading 690919 covers only non-refractory ceramics: articles that qualify as refractory ceramics are classified in headings 6902 or 6903. The boundary between non-refractory technical ceramics (6909) and refractory ceramics (6902-6903) is determined primarily by the chemical composition and temperature resistance of the article, as specified in the chapter notes. Classification is performed in accordance with the General Rules for the Interpretation of the CN (GRI), primarily rules 1 and 6, with reference to the notes to Chapter 69. The importer should hold technical documentation — a material data sheet (TDS) or test certificate — confirming the composition and technical purpose of the article. In case of doubt whether an article qualifies as refractory or non-refractory, a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the competent customs authority is strongly recommended.
Import and regulatory requirements for technical ceramics under subheading 690919
Importers of technical ceramic articles falling under subheading 690919 must comply with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). An EORI number is required, and an electronic customs declaration must be submitted via the national import IT system. Required documents include a commercial invoice with a technical description of the product, a transport document (CMR, B/L or AWB) and a technical specification or material data sheet confirming the ceramic composition and intended industrial use. REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 applies to chemical substances released during the production or use of ceramic articles: where a ceramic product contains Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) above 0.1% w/w, the importer has an obligation to notify the downstream user. Ceramic components intended for incorporation in electrical equipment may be subject to the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) or the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) if they form part of an electrical appliance. Where ceramic articles come into contact with food or drinking water, compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on food contact materials must be demonstrated, although industrial grinding media typically do not fall in this category. Applicable duty rates and any trade measures for subheading 690919 must be verified in the EU TARIC database prior to each import transaction.
Customs duties, anti-dumping measures and classification pitfalls for 690919
Technical ceramic articles under subheading 690919 are imported into the EU from China, Japan, South Korea and India, among others. MFN duty rates for this subheading must be verified in the current EU TARIC database, as they are subject to change. Preferential duty rates may be available under EU free trade agreements — including the EU-Japan EPA, the EU-Korea FTA and the EU-Vietnam EVFTA — for goods that meet the applicable rules of origin and are accompanied by a valid proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate or REX declaration). Note: the EU applies anti-dumping duties on ceramic tableware and kitchenware from China (heading 6912). Importers must take care to correctly classify ceramic grinding balls under subheading 690919 (technical ceramics) rather than heading 6912 (tableware), based on the technical purpose and composition of the goods, to avoid incorrect application of anti-dumping measures. Common classification pitfalls include confusion between technical ceramics (690919), refractory ceramics (6902-6903) and ceramic tableware (6912). Accurate classification requires demonstrating the technical purpose and chemical composition of the article. All applicable duty rates and trade measures for subheading 690919 must be verified in the EU TARIC database before import.
Frequently asked questions
How can technical ceramics in subheading 690919 be distinguished from refractory ceramics in headings 6902-6903?
Technical ceramics under subheading 690919 are non-refractory ceramic articles for industrial use, such as grinding balls, cylinders, spray nozzles and insulating components. Refractory ceramics in headings 6902-6903 are articles capable of withstanding temperatures above 1,520 degrees Celsius or meeting defined refractory standards set out in the Chapter notes. The distinction is based on chemical composition and temperature resistance, confirmed by the material data sheet or a laboratory test certificate. Incorrect classification can result in differences in duty rates and trade measures, so importers should retain this documentation. In cases of doubt, a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling, valid for three years across the EU, is strongly recommended.
Do anti-dumping duties apply to ceramic grinding balls imported from China under subheading 690919?
EU anti-dumping duties on ceramic articles from China primarily target ceramic tableware and kitchenware classified under heading 6912. Ceramic grinding balls and cylinders for technical use, correctly classified under subheading 690919, may not be subject to those measures, but the actual tariff classification — based on the purpose and ceramic composition of the goods — is decisive. Incorrect classification into heading 6912 instead of 690919 could lead to the erroneous application of anti-dumping duties intended for tableware. The current status of any anti-dumping or trade protection measures for the specific CN code and country of origin must be verified in the EU TARIC database before every import transaction, as regulations change following new investigations or reviews.
What documents are required when importing ceramic technical components under subheading 690919?
Documents required for importing technical ceramics under subheading 690919 include: a commercial invoice with a technical description, a transport document (CMR, B/L or AWB), the importer's EORI number and a technical data sheet confirming the ceramic composition and intended industrial use. A valid proof of origin is required to claim preferential duty rates under EU trade agreements. If the article forms part of electrical equipment, conformity documentation may also be required. Current requirements must always be verified in the EU TARIC database.