U.S. imports of Non-Porcelain Ceramic Articles (NESOI) (HS 691490) totaled $13.6M in August 2026, imported from 55 countries.
Importers of Non-Porcelain Ceramic Articles (NESOI) paid $1.7M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 12.39% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Non-Porcelain Ceramic Articles (NESOI) imports of $13.6M in August 2026 ran 14% above the year-to-date monthly average of $11.9M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataCeramic articles of other than porcelain or china that do not fit any more specific heading in Chapter 69 are classified here, with the US schedule carving out a dedicated line for alumina and zirconia ferrules (6914904100) — precision components critical to fiber-optic connector manufacturing. Spain and Italy lead US import supply, reflecting European strength in advanced technical ceramics. As with all NESOI provisions, correct use of this heading requires a systematic exclusion of more specific classifications across the tariff schedule.
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959 import shipments a month
The material composition is the controlling distinction: ferrules of alumina (aluminum oxide) or zirconia ceramics are classified under 6914904100, while ferrules of porcelain or china fall under 6914104000. Alumina and zirconia ferrules are typically used in high-performance fiber-optic applications requiring superior hardness and dimensional stability. Material certification from the manufacturer is the standard supporting document for this classification.
Possibly, but only if no more specific provision exists. GRI Rule 1 and the relevant chapter notes require that parts and accessories classifiable in a specific machinery chapter (e.g., Chapter 84 or 85) be classified there rather than in Chapter 69. Ceramic components that are integral parts of a specific machine — such as ceramic pump liners or kiln furniture — may belong in the machinery chapter. The NESOI line in 6914.90 applies only to ceramic articles that cannot be classified more specifically elsewhere in the schedule.
Subheading 1 of 2 in heading 6914
Subheading 691490 · $13.6M of $15.1M
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6914908000 | Ceramic Articles NESOI | $12.9M | 12.12% | 93.42% | $1.6M |
| 6914904100 | Ceramic Ferrules of Alumina or Zirconia, Etc. | $624K | 18.04% | 84.27% | $113K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6914900000 | Ceramic Articles NESOI | $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.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Spain and Italy together supply 53% of it. China pays 41.8% duty; Mexico 0.2%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
7.0% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 12.39% of imports for consumption.
ImportsExports
Imports
$13.6MYoY · free account
Exports
$9.7MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $146.4M of Non-Porcelain Ceramic Articles (NESOI) and exported $98.8M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.