Exporting tableware and ceramic products is a trade full of opportunities,especially amid strong international demand.This guide is designed to help you run your business more smoothly and reduce potential risks.Please note that trade policies may change at any time; we recommend consulting local customs or professional bodies for the most accurate guidance in actual operations.

I.Understanding the Core Classification Rules for Ceramic Tableware

The classification of ceramic tableware is the basis for export declaration,mainly based on the International Harmonized System of Product Classification and Coding (HS Code).According to the latest information in 2025,ceramic products are mainly classified under Chapter 69,which is consistent with the description in the document,but attention should be paid to the subtle differences among different countries.

• Heading69.11:CeramictablewareTheseproductsarefiredfromclay,feldspar,andquartz;theyaresemi-translucent,non-absorbent,hardanddenseinbody,andemitacrispsoundwhentapped.Everydayporcelainbowls,plates,andcupsallfallintothiscategory.AccordingtotheHarmonizedTariffSchedule2025revision,theyareusuallyclassifiedunder6911.10whenexported.InChina’sexportcodes,theycorrespondto69111000.
• Heading69.12:CeramictablewareMadeprimarilyfromclay,itisopaque,hasfinepores,slightwaterabsorption,andadullsoundwhenstruck.ExamplesincludeclaypotsandYixingteapots.Internationally,itisusuallyclassifiedunder6912.00.ForexportfromChina,referto6912001000.
• Specialitemsrequirecarefuldistinction.
  • Heading69.13:Ceramicarticlesforornamentalpurposes.Iftheproductisprimarilyintendedforornamentalratherthanutilitarianuse(e.g.decorativeporcelainplates),itshallbeclassifiedunderthisheading.
  • Heading97.06:Antiquesover100yearsold.Exportasculturalrelicsmaybesubjecttoheritage-protectionregulations;advanceassessmentisadvised.

These classifications help you avoid declaration errors and ensure smooth customs clearance.

II.Key Elements of Standardized Declaration

Accurate declaration is the key to successful export.According to the standard catalog of China Customs,clear information is required when declaring.Based on the international trade practices in 2025,we suggest that you pay attention to the following elements:

• ProductName:Provideadetaileddescription,suchas"ceramicdinnerplate"or"ceramicsoupbowl."
• Material:Clearlyindicate“porcelain”or“ceramic.”
• Type:Indicatetheintendeduse,e.g.“tableware”or“kitchenutensils.”
• Isitbonechina?:Bonechinamustbespecificallylabeled,asitissubjecttoparticularstandardsininternationalmarkets(e.g.theEU).
• Brand:ProvidethebrandnameinChineseoraforeignlanguagetofacilitatetracking.

When filing,using electronic platforms such as the “Single Window” system can boost efficiency.Internationally,when exporting to the EU or the United States,you must also comply with local HS-code requirements to avoid tariff disputes.

III.Pay attention to tariff preferences and free-trade agreements in international markets

In 2025,China’s ceramic exports faced some challenges (such as the high average tariff of 51.1% imposed by the United States on most Chinese goods),but the "Belt and Road Initiative" and free trade agreements (FTAs) brought many opportunities.For example,China’s trade volume with countries along the "Belt and Road" (such as Southeast Asia and Africa) continued to grow,and the BRI projects had reached a total value of $1.308 trillion by mid-2025.

• ExamplesofAgreementsinForce:
  • China-MaldivesFreeTradeAgreement:FromJanuary1,2025,thetariffonporcelaintableware(HS691110)willbereducedtozero,whichwillprovidebenefitsforexports.
  • RegionalComprehensiveEconomicPartnership(RCEP):In2025,therewillbefurtherupgrades,andChinaandJapanwillcontinuetoreducetariffs.Forexample,thetariffonceramictablewarewillbereducedfrom2.1%toalowerlevel.TheRCEPcovers15countries,accountingforabout30%oftheglobalGDP,whichisbeneficialforceramicexports.
  • China–ASEANFreeTradeAgreement(ACFTA)Upgrade:InOctober2025,ChinaandASEANsignedanupgradedagreement,emphasizingdigitaltradeandtariffconcessions,tofurtherfacilitatetheexportofceramicproducts.

To enjoy these discounts,we recommend that you apply upon exit.Books serve as proof of duty relief.Checking the exact tariff rates for the destination country on the official platform can help you optimize costs.Note that some countries—such as the UK—keep anti-dumping measures on Chinese ceramics in place until 2029; factor in their impact when exporting.

IV.Emphasize quality,safety,and compliance requirements

Quality and safety are of utmost importance for exported ceramic products,especially the amount of heavy metal leaching.In 2025,international standards will become stricter,so we recommend that you control the quality at the source to maintain your brand reputation.

• HeavyMetalLimits:TheEuropeanUnionandJapanhavestrictrequirementsforlead,cadmium,andothersubstances.JapanamendeditsfoodcontactmaterialstandardsinMay2025tofurtherregulateceramicutensils.ThenewEUregulationsemphasizethesafetyofallfoodcontactmaterials,includingceramictableware.Itisrecommendedtoprioritizetheuseoflead-freeandcadmium-freeglazes,suchasunderglazeoroverglazetechniques,toreducerisks.
• Practicaladvice:Establisharaw-materialtraceabilitysystemandcommissionareputablelaboratorytoconductpre-exporttesting(e.g.toFDAorLFGBstandards).Avoiddarkglazessuchascobaltblueorcadmiumred,astheycanraiseheavy-metallevels.Doingsonotonlymeetsdestination-countryrequirementsbutalsoenhancesproductcompetitiveness.

V.Other Export Reminders

• :Ceramictableware(items69.11and69.12)typicallyenjoysa13%taxrebaterate,butsomesub-itemsmayhavea9%rate.In2025,Chinaadjusteditstariffpolicytosupporthigh-qualityexports.Itisrecommendedtorefertothelatestofficialannouncementsforaccurateinformation.Currently,therearenoexporttariffsbeinglevied.
• Markettrends:In2025,China’sceramicexportorderswillrecover,especiallytotheUnitedStatesandthe"BeltandRoad"countries.Byfocusingonsustainabledevelopmentandeco-friendlydesign,businessescanseizeemergingopportunities.
• Riskprevention:Facedwithpotentialtradebarriers(suchasU.S.tariffs),diversifyingmarketsisawisechoice.Atthesametime,maintaininglong-termpartnershipswithsuppliersensuresstableproductquality.

We hope this guide proves helpful for your export operations.Should you have questions about a specific country or product,please feel free to reach out for further consultation.let’s explore more trade opportunities together!