Other refractory ceramic goods (for example, retorts, crucibles, muffles, nozzles, plugs, supports, cupels, tubes, pipes, sheaths, rods and slide gates), other than those of siliceous fossil meals or of similar siliceous earths
4 declarable lines
Heading 6903 covers refractory ceramic goods that are not bricks or other constructional shapes, such as crucibles, retorts, muffles, nozzles, tubes, rods and slide gates. The heading is split by composition: goods with more than 50% free carbon, goods with more than 50% alumina or alumina-silica, and all other goods, which separate into clay and non-clay. Every declarable line in this heading carries a general (MFN) duty rate of Free.
Products in this heading
- Graphite crucibles used for melting metal
- Ceramic kiln furniture such as setters and supports
- Refractory nozzles and slide gates for molten metal flow control
- Alumina tubes and pipes for high-temperature furnaces
- Muffles and retorts for heat treating or firing
- Refractory rods and sheaths for thermocouples and sensors
- Clay-based saggers and cupels used in firing and assaying
How to choose the right subheading
- Whether the good is refractory, meaning it is designed to withstand high temperature in kilns, furnaces or molten metal contact
- Whether free carbon makes up more than 50% of the weight
- Whether alumina alone, or alumina combined with silica, makes up more than 50% of the weight
- Whether the good is made mainly of clay when neither of the 50% tests is met
- Whether the article is a brick, block or similar constructional shape, which would be excluded from this heading
Often confused with
- Heading 6902Refractory bricks and blocks used to line kilns and furnaces
Constructional refractory bricks and similar shapes are classified in 6902, not 6903.
- Heading 6909Ceramic laboratory crucibles and dishes for chemical analysis
Ceramic wares for laboratory or technical use are classified in 6909 when not refractory goods of 6903.
- Heading 6904Ordinary ceramic building bricks and flooring blocks
Non-refractory building bricks and support tiles belong in 6904.
- Heading 6905Ceramic roofing tiles and chimney pots
Roofing tiles and similar constructional ceramic goods are named in 6905.
- Heading 6907Glazed or unglazed ceramic tiles for walls and floors
Ceramic flags, paving and wall tiles are classified in 6907.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for graphite crucibles with more than 50% carbon?
Refractory ceramic crucibles containing by weight more than 50% of free carbon are classified under 6903.10.00.00, with a general (MFN) duty rate of Free.
What is the duty on alumina refractory tubes?
Refractory tubes containing more than 50% alumina, or more than 50% of an alumina and silica mixture or compound, fall under 6903.20.00.00, with a general (MFN) duty rate of Free.
How do I classify refractory ceramic kiln supports?
If the support meets the free carbon test it goes under 6903.10.00.00 and if it meets the alumina or alumina-silica test it goes under 6903.20.00.00, both at a general (MFN) rate of Free. Otherwise, clay supports are classified under 6903.90.00.10 and other supports under 6903.90.00.50, also Free.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.