Effective Duty Rate
25% Section 301 (List 3) + 0%–28% MFN = ~25%–53% effective on tableware
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
High
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
FDA, CPSC, EPA
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Ceramic Products, Tiles & Porcelain from China
Ceramics imported from China to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — China Origin
Chinese ceramics face 25% Section 301 stacking onto high MFN rates for tableware. Porcelain tableware at 26% MFN + 25% Section 301 = 51%. AD/CVD orders on Chinese ceramic tile. FDA lead/cadmium testing scrutiny is highest for Chinese-origin ceramics.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Ceramics Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to ceramics imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 6907 |
Ceramic Floor & Wall Tiles (glazed and unglazed) |
0%–8.5% MFN |
| 6911 |
Tableware & Kitchenware of Porcelain or China |
0%–26% MFN |
| 6912 |
Tableware of Other Ceramic Materials (stoneware, earthenware) |
0%–28% MFN |
| 6909 |
Ceramic Products for Laboratory, Chemical, or Industrial Use |
0%–4.5% MFN |
| 6914 |
Other Ceramic Articles (decorative, ornamental) |
0%–11% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — CHINA ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for China-Origin Ceramics
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All China-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty |
7.5%–25% additional |
Most product categories from China |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) |
25% steel / 10% aluminum |
Steel and aluminum imports from China |
COMPLIANCE — FDA / CPSC / EPA
US Compliance Requirements for Ceramics Imports
Regardless of origin country, ceramics imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- FDA lead and cadmium release limits for ceramic food-contact articles (21 CFR 109.16) — extractable lead limits: 3.0 ppm (flatware), 2.0 ppm (small hollowware), 1.0 ppm (large hollowware), 0.5 ppm (cups and mugs)
- CPSC ban on lead-containing paint or surface coatings on ceramic products intended for children — CPSIA total lead limits apply
- California Prop 65 lead and cadmium warnings required for ceramic food-contact products exceeding California's more stringent thresholds
- Country of origin marking required on all ceramic articles per 19 CFR Part 134 — must be permanent (fired, etched, or ink-stamped)
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your ceramics import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs China.
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Ceramics from China
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs China. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with ceramic type, glaze description, and intended use
2
Packing List (fragile goods packaging documentation)
4
FDA food-contact compliance certificates (lead and cadmium extraction test results from accredited lab)
5
Country of Origin Declaration
6
CPSC compliance certificate (for consumer ceramic products)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Ceramics from China
25–45 days (ocean from Asia/Europe; heavy and fragile); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
18–35 days ocean from Asia/origin
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Ceramics from China
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing ceramics from China?
The effective US tariff rate for ceramics from China is: 25% Section 301 (List 3) + 0%–28% MFN = ~25%–53% effective on tableware. Chinese ceramics face 25% Section 301 stacking onto high MFN rates for tableware. Porcelain tableware at 26% MFN + 25% Section 301 = 51%. AD/CVD orders on Chinese ceramic tile. FDA lead/cadmium testing scrutiny is highest for Chinese-origin ceramics.
What compliance agencies regulate ceramics imports from China?
Ceramics imports require compliance with: FDA, CPSC, EPA. Specific requirements include: FDA lead and cadmium release limits for ceramic food-contact articles (21 CFR 109.16) — extractable lead limits: 3.0 ppm (flatware), 2.0 ppm (small hollowware), 1.0 ppm (large hollowware), 0.5 ppm (cups and mugs) and CPSC ban on lead-containing paint or surface coatings on ceramic products intended for children — CPSIA total lead limits apply.
What documents are required to import ceramics from China?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with ceramic type, glaze description, and intended use; Packing List (fragile goods packaging documentation); Bill of Lading; FDA food-contact compliance certificates (lead and cadmium extraction test results from accredited lab). Additional: Country of Origin Declaration; CPSC compliance certificate (for consumer ceramic products). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs China.
How long does customs clearance take for ceramics from China?
Typical timeline: 25–45 days (ocean from Asia/Europe; heavy and fragile); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on ceramics from China?
Yes. China-origin ceramics is subject to Section 301 additional tariffs (7.5%–25% depending on HTS code and List). Section 232 duties also apply: 25% on steel products, 10% on aluminum. Total effective duty is substantially higher than the base MFN rate.
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RELATED IMPORT GUIDES
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-04-06 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.