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69
Tariff Chapter 69
Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of porcelain or china
What does heading 6911 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 6911 covers tableware and kitchenware of porcelain or china. 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 6911 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 6911 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 6911 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 6911
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 6911 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 6911 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 6911 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 6911 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 6911 - key considerations
Heading 6911 covers tableware and kitchenware of porcelain or china. Distinction from 6910 (ceramic sinks, wash basins, baths and sa) and 6912 (ceramic tableware and kitchenware other ) 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 are the EU customs duty rates for porcelain tableware under heading 6911?
MFN rates are not '0%-7%' - all CN subheadings carry a 12% rate. Correct content: the MFN duty rate for porcelain tableware under heading 6911 is 12% regardless of subheading. Cups, plates, serving dishes, tureens and other porcelain articles are all subject to 12%. 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 regulatory requirements apply to importing porcelain tableware under heading 6911?
Importing porcelain tableware intended for food contact requires compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on materials intended to come into contact with food. Testing for lead and cadmium migration in accordance with EN 1388 is mandatory. A declaration of conformity confirming product safety is required. Customs documentation includes a commercial invoice with product descriptions, a transport document and a customs value declaration. A certificate of origin is necessary for preferential tariff rates. 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 porcelain tableware under heading 6911?
When importing porcelain tableware, ensuring food contact safety is paramount - lead and cadmium migration limits from decorations are strictly enforced. Porcelain is a fragile product requiring careful packaging and handling. Imports of porcelain from China receive particular attention from customs authorities regarding the protection of European manufacturers' industrial designs. Proper labelling in compliance with national regulations must be ensured. Laboratory testing costs can be significant for small shipment quantities. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
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