Other

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, Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the competent customs authority is strongly recommended.

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.

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.

Other technical ceramic articles under CN 6909 19 carry a 0% EU duty.