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HSChapter 69
U.S. imports of ceramic articles with hardness ≥ 9 on the mohs scale (HS 690912) totaled $14.4M in April 2026, traded with 25 countries.
Importers of Ceramic Articles with Hardness ≥ 9 on the Mohs Scale paid $1.8M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 15% on $11.6M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Ceramic Articles with Hardness ≥ 9 on the Mohs Scale imports of $14.4M in April 2026 ran 13% above the year-to-date monthly average of $12.8M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataCeramic articles registering 9 or higher on the Mohs hardness scale — a threshold that encompasses materials such as alumina (corundum) and silicon carbide — are classified under 6909.12 based on their exceptional wear resistance rather than their end use. Japan is the leading US supplier, followed by Poland and Mexico, reflecting specialized advanced-ceramics manufacturing capacity in those countries. The single 10-digit line 6909120000 covers all such articles for laboratory or technical use, making the hardness test result the decisive classification criterion. These ultra-hard ceramics are widely used as grinding media, wear liners, cutting tool inserts, and precision laboratory components.
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The Mohs scale is a relative scratch-hardness test: a material rated 9 or above will scratch corundum (Mohs 9) or approach the hardness of diamond (Mohs 10). In practice, importers rely on manufacturer material certifications identifying the ceramic composition — alumina, silicon carbide, boron carbide, etc. — since these materials are well-established at Mohs ≥9. CBP may request such documentation to distinguish 6909.12 articles from lower-hardness porcelain or stoneware wares that classify under 6909.11 or 6909.19.
Potentially, yes. Grinding balls and similar abrasive articles may be classifiable under Chapter 68 (articles of stone or abrasive materials) depending on their form and use, and cutting inserts of cermets fall under Chapter 82. The Chapter 69 classification applies when the article is a ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical, or technical use and no more specific heading captures it. A binding ruling is advisable for high-value or high-volume shipments of ultra-hard ceramic components where the correct chapter is not immediately clear.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6909120000 | CRMC WRS FOR LAB HAVING HARDNESS >= TO 9 ON MOHS | $14.4M | 15.37% | $1.8M |
CRMC WRS FOR LAB HAVING HARDNESS >= TO 9 ON MOHS
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6909120000 | CRMC WRS FOR LAB HAVING HARDNESS >= TO 9 ON MOHS | $7.2M |
CRMC WRS FOR LAB HAVING HARDNESS >= TO 9 ON MOHS
149.7K no
CERAMIC SANITARY FIXTURES OF PORCELAIN OR CHINA
HS 691010
CERAMIC FLAGS/PAVING/ETC, H20 ABS COEF WT <= 0.5%
HS 690721
CERAMIC TABLEWRE, KITCHNWRE ETC, EARTHENWARE ETC
HS 691200
CERAMIC WARES FOR LABORATORY ETC USE NESOI
HS 690919
STATUTTES A OTH ORNMNTL CERAM ARTCLS NT PORC/CHINA
HS 691390
CERAMIC TABLEWARE & KITCHENWARE, PORCELAIN & CHINA
HS 691110
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $5.5M | $1.0M | -$4.5M |
| North Carolina | $1.9M | -- | -$1.9M |
| Massachusetts | $314K | $1.5M | +$1.2M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CA | $2.7M | $438K | -$2.3M |
| LAREDO, TX | $2.5M | $442K | -$2.1M |
| CHARLESTON, SC | $1.9M | -- | -$1.9M |