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69
Tariff Chapter 69
Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, other than of porcelain or china
691200
Zastawy stołowe, naczynia kuchenne oraz pozostałe artykuły gospodarstwa domowego i toaletowe, ceramiczne, inne niż z porcelany, również chińskiej (z wył. zlewów, umywalek, wanien i podobnej armatury sanitarnej, statuetek i pozostałych artykułów dekoracyjnych, garnków, słojów i podobnych wyrobów, w rodzaju stosowanych do transportu lub pakowania towarów, młynków do kawy i przypraw z ceramicznymi zasobnikami i z elementami roboczymi z metalu)
Duty:0-9%
What does heading 6912 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 6912 covers ceramic tableware and kitchenware other than porcelain. Ceramic products classified under Chapter 69 include products of ceramic material (clay, porcelain, stoneware) fired at high temperatures. These products are used in construction, bathroom and kitchen furnishing, industry and decoration. Import of ceramic products into the EU is subject to duty rates of 0% to 7% depending on the product type. Articles intended for food contact must meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Directive 84/500/EEC on lead and cadmium migration. Construction products require CE marking. Heading 6912 is part of Chapter 69 (stone, ceramic, glass and cement products) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 6912 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 6912 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 6912
Import of ceramic products into the EU is subject to duty rates of 0% to 7% depending on the product type. Articles intended for food contact must meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Directive 84/500/EEC on lead and cadmium migration. Construction products require CE marking. Duty rates for ceramic products under heading 6912 range from 0% to 7%. Food contact articles must be tested for lead and cadmium migration. Construction products (tiles, bricks) require a Declaration of Performance and CE marking. Products from China may be subject to anti-dumping measures - check current regulations. When importing goods under heading 6912 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 6912 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 6912 are subject to building standards and safety compliance controls. Required documentation includes: CE certificates for construction products (CPR), declarations of performance, migration tests. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties.
Classification of goods under heading 6912 — key considerations
Heading 6912 covers ceramic tableware and kitchenware other than porcelain. Distinction from 6911 (tableware and kitchenware of porcelain o) and 6913 (ceramic statuettes and ornamental articl) requires analysis of material, form and intended use. Decisive factor: precise determination of base material, processing stage and end-use of the product.
Frequently asked questions
What customs duty rates apply to ceramic tableware (other than porcelain) under heading 6912?
MFN rates are not '0%–7%' — actual rates range from 5% to 9%. Correct content: MFN duty rates for ceramic tableware (other than porcelain) under heading 6912 range from 5% to 9%. Stoneware and earthenware 5%, colour-glazed ceramics 5.5%, glazed stoneware 9%, other ceramics 7%. Preferential 0% rates are available under EU trade agreements. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and certificates are required to import ceramic tableware under heading 6912?
Importing ceramic tableware intended for food contact requires compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on food contact materials. Lead and cadmium migration testing from glazed surfaces in accordance with EN 1388 is mandatory. A manufacturer's declaration of conformity is necessary. Customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, transport document and customs value declaration. For hand-decorated ceramics, correct classification is important as it may affect the applicable duty rate. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing ceramic tableware under heading 6912?
When importing ceramic tableware other than porcelain, particular attention must be paid to food contact safety — ceramic glazes may contain lead and cadmium at levels exceeding EU limits. Artisanal ceramics from developing countries are especially prone to heavy metal migration issues. Products require appropriate packaging due to fragility. Importers should verify glaze composition before placing orders and commission laboratory testing of preliminary samples to avoid costly rejections at the border. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
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