U.S. imports of Ceramic Articles with Hardness ≥ 9 on the Mohs Scale (HS 690912) totaled $13.5M in September 2026, imported from 32 countries.
Importers of Ceramic Articles with Hardness ≥ 9 on the Mohs Scale paid $1.7M in duties in September 2026, an average duty rate of 12.22% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: September 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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670 import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 3 of 4 in heading 6909
Subheading 690912 · $13.5M of $87.8M
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 690912 — Ceramic Articles with Hardness ≥ 9 on the Mohs Scale, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6909120000 | Crmc Wrs for Lab Having Hardness >= to 9 on Mohs | $16.0M | 11.22% | 83.42% | $1.8M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6909120000 | Crmc Wrs for Lab Having Hardness >= to 9 on Mohs | $9.7M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$13.5MYoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to September 2026, the U.S. imported $162.8M of Ceramic Articles with Hardness ≥ 9 on the Mohs Scale.
Through September 2026 · exports 11 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · September 2026
origin
Japan and Poland together supply 59% of it. China pays 41.5% duty; Mexico 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
14.9% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 12.22% of imports for consumption.