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69

Official Chapter Guide

Ceramic products post-firing process including tiles, chinaware, and stoneware, excluding low-temperature-cured articles and many other specified categories.

Tariff Landscape

  • Ceramic products can attract significant duties depending on exact classifications and origin.
  • Goods from China may face additional Section 301 tariffs.
  • There may be anti-dumping or countervailing duties (ADD/CVD) in specific product cases, especially from countries with protectionist measures.

Classification Strategy

  • Misclassification often occurs with low-temperature treated articles which are not considered fired ceramics.
  • High potential for errors in distinguishing between different types of ceramic ware (e.g., porcelain versus stoneware) due to specific water absorption and translucency criteria.
  • Confusion may arise from goods that fall under excluded categories like imitation jewelry or electrical insulators; careful assessment against chapter exclusions is crucial.

Legal Framework

Executive Summary

Exclusions

  • Products of heading 2844.
  • Articles of heading 6804.
  • Articles of chapter 71 (like imitation jewelry).
  • Cermets of heading 8113.
  • Articles of chapter 82.
  • Electrical insulators (heading 8546) or fittings of insulating material (heading 8547).
  • Artificial teeth (heading 9021).
  • Articles of chapter 91 (like clocks and clock cases).
  • Articles of chapter 94 (like furniture, lighting fittings, prefabricated buildings).
  • Articles of chapter 95 (like toys, games, and sports equipment).
  • Articles of heading 9606 (like buttons) or heading 9614 (like smoking pipes).
  • Articles of chapter 97 (like works of art).

Definitions

  • Ceramic products must be fired post-shaping with exceptions for low-temperature treatments.
  • Refractory articles must withstand at least 1500°C.
  • Specific definitions for "porcelain," "chinaware," "stoneware," and "earthenware" based on materials and water absorption capabilities.
  • Specifications for "tiles" not exceeding 3.2 cm in thickness.
  • Guidelines for assessing water absorption using ASTM test C373.
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