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69
Tariff Chapter 69
Ceramic sinks, washbasins, washbasin pedestals, baths, bidets, water closet pans, flushing cisterns, urinals and similar sanitary fixtures
What does heading 6910 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 6910 covers ceramic sinks, wash basins, baths and sanitary fixtures. 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 6910 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 6910 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 6910 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 6910
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 6910 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 6910 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 6910 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 6910 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 6910 — key considerations
Heading 6910 covers ceramic sinks, wash basins, baths and sanitary fixtures. Distinction from 6909 (ceramic articles for laboratory, chemica) and 6911 (tableware and kitchenware of porcelain o) 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 ceramic sanitary fixtures under heading 6910?
Customs duty rates for ceramic sanitary fixtures under heading 6910 range from 0% to 7% of the customs value. Wash basins, sinks, baths, bidets, water closet pans and flushing cisterns of porcelain or ceramic are subject to differentiated rates depending on the CN subheading. Porcelain articles may carry slightly different rates compared to stoneware or earthenware products. Preferential 0% rates are available for imports from EU trade agreement partners and GSP beneficiary countries. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What certificates and documents are required to import ceramic sanitary fixtures under heading 6910?
Importing ceramic sanitary fixtures under heading 6910 requires CE marking as a construction product under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011). A Declaration of Performance (DoP) based on standards EN 14688 (wash basins), EN 997 (water closet pans) or EN 14528 (bidets) is mandatory. Testing for load resistance, water tightness and glaze durability is required. Customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, transport document and customs value declaration. 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 sanitary fixtures under heading 6910?
When importing ceramic sanitary fixtures, proper transport protection is critical as these products are heavy and fragile — damage during shipping is a common problem. Maritime freight costs can represent 30–40% of the product value. Importers must verify that dimensions and connection fittings comply with European installation standards. Imports from China dominate the EU market, so customs authorities closely scrutinise declared customs values. Consulting a testing laboratory regarding required certifications is advisable before shipping. 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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