Import Ceramics from China: 25%–53% Duty Rates & HTS 2026

USTradeStack

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

Importing ceramics from China into the United States carries high compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 25% Section 301 (List 3) + 0%–28% MFN = ~25%–53% effective on tableware. This corridor carries both Section 301 and Section 232 surcharges stacked on top of the base MFN rate, making it one of the highest-cost import corridors for US buyers. AD/CVD orders may apply to specific ceramics sub-categories — verify against CBP's ADD/CVD portal before importing.

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.

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SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT

Estimated Landed Cost: Ceramics from China

Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.

Cost Component	Amount	Notes
Cargo Value (CIF)	$50,000.00	Reference shipment value
MFN Base Duty (0.0%)	$0.00	ITA or preferential rate
Section 301 Additional Duty (25%)	$12,500.00	USTR List 3/4A surcharge
Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%)	$173.20	Min $31.67 / max $614.35
Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%)	$62.50	Ocean freight only
Total Duties & Fees	$12,735.70	Effective rate: 25.5%
Estimated Landed Cost	$62,735.70	Cargo + all US duties/fees

⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to ceramics sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.

Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.

COMPLIANCE AUDIT

See your compliance risk for ceramics from China

A $199 compliance audit against your specific product lines and supply chain. Covers HTS code accuracy, AD/CVD exposure, FTA qualification, customs valuation, and CBP marking requirements — with actual CBP ruling cites and corrective actions.

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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

Precise Duty Calculation

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Our calculator handles all duty layers — MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 + FTA rates — for any HTS code from any origin country.

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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)

3

Bill of Lading

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)

Document Generator

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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 are the current US import tariffs on apparel from Vietnam in 2026?

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.

What is the effective total landed duty rate for importing ceramics from China in 2026?

25% Section 301 (List 3) + 0%–28% MFN = ~25%–53% effective on tableware. This reflects the combined rate including base MFN rate plus Section 301 additional duty plus Section 232 tariff.

What is the most critical compliance issue for importing ceramics from China that most buyers overlook?

Anti-circumvention risk. CBP scrutinizes whether China-origin goods contain inputs from countries facing higher tariffs — if substantial transformation cannot be documented, Section 301 rates apply retroactively. Maintain detailed bills of materials, factory affidavits, and manufacturing records. UFLPA forced-labor documentation is also required for any product with Xinjiang-sourced inputs.

What HTS codes and duty rates apply to ceramic product imports?

Ceramic products are classified primarily under HTS Chapters 69 (ceramic products) and 68 (stone, ceramic, glass). Porcelain and ceramic tableware (6911–6912): 3%–26% MFN — dinnerware and kitchen items often face high rates. Sanitary ceramic ware (6910): 2.5%–5.8% MFN. Ceramic tiles (6907–6908): 0%–19.9% MFN depending on type. Refractory ceramics (6902–6904): 0%–2.5% MFN. Chinese ceramics face 25% Section 301 additional duty for most HTS codes on List 3. Ceramic dinnerware and tile have historically been subject to AD/CVD investigations — verify current orders before importing.

What FDA lead and cadmium requirements apply to ceramic tableware?

FDA enforces limits on lead and cadmium migration from ceramic tableware glazes into food under 21 CFR Part 109 (unavoidable contaminants) and CPG Sec. 545.450. Limits: flatware/plates ≤3 ppm lead; cups/mugs ≤2 ppm lead; pitchers/jugs ≤0.5 ppm lead. Cadmium limits are separate and equally strict. FDA has detained ceramic dinnerware from China, Mexico, and other countries for lead-in-glaze violations. Require supplier-provided test reports from accredited laboratories demonstrating compliance with FDA leaching limits before the first import. Hand-painted decorative ceramics carry higher risk.

Are there antidumping duties on imported ceramic tile from China?

Yes. Active antidumping and countervailing duty orders on ceramic tile from China (Cases A-570-923/C-570-924) impose significant additional duties. AD rates for Chinese ceramic tile can range from approximately 33% to over 400% for non-cooperative producers. This stacks on Section 301 (25%) and MFN rates (up to 19.9%) — making Chinese ceramic tile effectively prohibitive for most US buyers. The US ceramic tile market has substantially shifted to sourcing from Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mexico, and India as a result.

What are the current Section 301 tariff rates on Chinese imports in 2026?

Section 301 tariffs range from 7.5% (List 1 goods, many industrial inputs) to 25% (List 3 and 4A goods, which cover most manufactured products). USTR publishes the current lists at ustr.gov. Most exclusions issued in 2019–2020 have expired. Effective rates for manufactured goods from China are typically 25% Section 301 on top of the applicable MFN base rate.

Does my Chinese-origin product qualify for any Section 301 exclusions?

Most Section 301 exclusions have expired. USTR has issued limited targeted renewals for specific HTS codes where no US or alternative-country substitutes exist. To check current exclusion status, search USTR's Section 301 exclusion portal by HTS code. If no exclusion applies, the full Section 301 surcharge applies — there is no mechanism to appeal the tariff itself, only to seek a formal exclusion through USTR.

What supply chain documentation is required to comply with UFLPA for goods from China?

Under UFLPA, importers must maintain documentation proving no inputs originate from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Required documentation includes supplier attestations, raw material sourcing records, and ideally third-party supply chain audit reports. CBP can detain goods it reasonably suspects contain Xinjiang-origin inputs — the burden of proof is on the importer, not CBP, to demonstrate compliance.

TRADE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS

Free Tools for Ceramics Importers

Run these tools before your next shipment from China — all free, no account required.

🔍 AI HTS Classifier

Get the exact 10-digit HTS code for your ceramics. Identifies Section 301/232 exposure.

🧮 Landed Cost Calculator

Calculate total duty including MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 for China-origin goods.

🛡️ Supplier Screening

Screen your China supplier against OFAC, BIS Entity List, and denied parties databases.

✅ Compliance Check

Verify FDA/CPSC/EPA requirements and identify documentation gaps before shipment.

📊 Trade Research Hub

Deep-dive on tariff policy changes, Federal Register notices, and regulatory updates for China.

🔔 Tariff Alerts

Get notified when duty rates or compliance requirements change for your product corridors.

Ready to Calculate Your Exact Import Costs?

Get precise duty calculations, landed cost estimates, and compliance flags for your ceramics shipment from China.

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View full China tariff profile → Browse all import guides → Calculate landed cost →

Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-08-21 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.

How to Import Ceramics from China to the US