Other

CN subheading 691190 is the residual subheading within heading 6911, covering porcelain articles that are not tableware or kitchenware classified in subheading 691110. This includes primarily: porcelain figurines and statuettes, ornaments and decorative objects, decorative vases, porcelain candleholders, picture frames, decorative boxes, display plates, masks, ceramic sculptures and any other porcelain articles of an artistic or decorative nature. The decisive classification criterion is that the article is intended exclusively or primarily for decorative or artistic use - as opposed to tableware and kitchenware (691110) which serve to prepare or serve food and beverages. Decorative vases can occasionally give rise to classification doubt: where a vase is intended solely for decoration or holding flowers without table-service functions, subheading 691190 is correct. Multi-purpose articles should be classified according to their principal use. Porcelain covered by this subheading must meet the CN definition of porcelain (fully vitrified, water absorption below 0.5%). Decorative articles of stoneware or earthenware are classified under subheading 691300. Classification follows GRI rules 1 and 6 and the notes to Chapter 69.

Imports of decorative porcelain articles under subheading 691190 into the European Union must comply with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold an EORI number and submit an electronic customs declaration. Required documents include a commercial invoice with the product description and decorative purpose, a transport document (CMR, B/L or AWB) and a technical description confirming the material (porcelain). Porcelain figurines and ornaments are not construction products and therefore do not require CE marking under the CPR. If articles are intended for children or may be accessible to them, they may be subject to the Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) - this applies to porcelain figurines marketed for children under 14 years. The GPSR, Regulation (EU) 2023/988, applicable from 13 December 2024, covers all consumer products placed on the EU market: importers must carry out a product risk assessment, maintain technical documentation and designate a responsible person in the EU. Articles with glazes or pigments containing lead or cadmium are subject to REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 with regard to SVHC substances. Where decorative articles have any contact with food (e.g. a decorative plate occasionally used for serving), migration limits under Directive 84/500/EEC may apply. MFN duty rates and trade measures must be verified in the EU TARIC database.

MFN duty rates for decorative porcelain articles under subheading 691190 must be verified in the current EU TARIC database. Decorative porcelain articles are imported into the EU from China, Vietnam, Turkey, the Czech Republic and Germany, among others. Preferential duty rates may be available under EU FTA agreements, including EVFTA with Vietnam, EPA with Japan, the EU-Korea FTA and others, as well as under the GSP, subject to compliance with rules of origin and presentation of a valid EUR.1 or REX proof of origin. Common classification pitfalls for subheading 691190: porcelain decorative figurines may be confused with stoneware or earthenware ornaments (classified in subheading 691300) if the material is not properly identified; multi-purpose porcelain vases may be classified in 691110 or 691190 depending on the principal intended use; porcelain works of artistic character may fall under heading 9703 (original sculptures) if they qualify as works of art - the artistic characteristics and value of the article must be verified. Importers should precisely describe the nature and purpose of the article in the customs declaration. In case of doubt, a BTI ruling is recommended. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be subject to EU sanctions. All duty rates and trade measures must be verified in the EU TARIC database.

Other porcelain articles (not tableware) under CN 6911 90 carry a 12% EU duty.