🍽️ Ceramic Tray (Ceramic Plates/Dishes) – HS Code Classification & US Import Tax Guide (2026)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | Latest 2026 Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand “Ceramic Tray”?

In international trade, "Ceramic Tray" is a broad term that usually refers to ceramic tableware, kitchenware, or decorative ceramics. Its classification depends strictly on material precision (Porcelain vs. Coarse Ceramic), form, and primary use.

Key Distinction Points: 1. Porcelain vs. Coarse Ceramic: If the material is white, translucent, and fine-grained, it falls under Chapter 69.11 (Porcelain). If it is opaque, coarse, or decorative, it may fall under 69.12 (Tableware/Kitchenware of other ceramics) or 69.07 (Other ceramic products). 2. Use: Is it for eating (Tableware), for decoration (Art), or raw material/parts? 3. Dimensions: Specific size limits can determine sub-classification for porcelain plates.

⚠️ Critical Warning:
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a coarse ceramic plate as "porcelain" will lead to lower tax scrutiny but potential penalties if found non-compliant.
- 122 Clause Impact: All categories below are subject to the Section 301 & IEEPA additional tariffs, drastically increasing the cost for Chinese-origin goods.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Data)

Based on the provided data, here are the five specific HS codes for "Ceramic Trays" with their corresponding descriptions and tax structures.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN) (Note: High tariffs apply primarily to CN origin)
✅ Effective Date: Current rates include Section 301 & IEEPA adjustments

🎯 1. 6912.00.35.10 – The Lowest Duty Option (for Specific Size Coarse Ceramic)

📌 Explanation:
- The low additional tariff (0%) suggests this specific sub-category might have been exempted or has a different tariff structure under current trade policies.
- Total 19.8% is significantly lower than porcelain tableware rates.

🎯 2. 6911.10.37.10 – Porcelain Plate (Limited Size)

📌 Note:
- This code applies to Porcelain (瓷制). If your product is not truly porcelain (i.e., it doesn't meet the translucency/white criteria), do not use this code.
- The 7.5% additional tariff is a key differentiator from the 0% in code 6912.

🎯 3. 6911.10.35.10 – Porcelain Tableware (Highest Duty for Porcelain)

📌 Warning:
- The base tariff is 26.0%, making this the most expensive option among the porcelain categories.
- Only use if the product is clearly porcelain AND tableware. Misdeclaring decorative items as tableware to lower taxes is risky if inspection reveals otherwise.

🎯 4. 6907.40.10.51 – Decorative Ceramic Plate

📌 Explanation:
- The 25.0% Additional Tariff is the highest surcharge in this dataset.
- This classification is for Decorative (装饰) purposes. If a plate is used for eating, declaring it as decorative to avoid tableware taxes is fraudulent and carries high risk.

🎯 5. 6907.40.90.51 – Other Ceramic Vessels/Facing

📌 Note:
- This is a catch-all for ceramic items that don't fit neatly into tableware or decorative plates.
- The 25.0% Additional Tariff still applies, keeping costs high.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)

✅ 1. Document Preparation Checklist

✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonics)

🔥 "Porcelain Tableware High Tax, Coarse Size Low Tax, Decorative Extra High!"

📌 Critical Decision Point:
- If your "Ceramic Tray" is not highly refined porcelain, aggressively classify it under 6912.
- If it is purely decorative (e.g., not food-safe glaze, no rim for lips), classify under 6907.
- Never misdeclare a tableware plate as decorative to save taxes; Customs uses "Primary Use" and "Design" to audit.

✅ 3. Special Case Handling

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive for ceramic imports from China due to layered tariffs.
- Optimizing HS Code from 6911 (Porcelain Tableware) to 6912 (Coarse Ceramic) or ensuring correct size classification can save 20-25% in total duty.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring all ceramic plates as "Porcelain" (6911)
👉 Result: You pay 43.5% when you could have paid 19.8% if they are coarse ceramic.
👉 Fix: Conduct material testing. If not translucent, use 6912.

❌ Mistake 2: Declaring eating plates as "Decorative" (6907)
👉 Result: Customs seizes goods for misdeclaration. Fine + Back Duties + Penalty.
👉 Fix: If the plate is food-safe and used for dining, it must be classified as tableware.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause" / IEEPA 10%
👉 Result: Underestimating total landed cost.
👉 Fix: Always add 10% on top of Base + Section 301 rates.

✅ Correct Approach:

"White Porcelain Plate, 10-inch, for Dining Use" → 6911.10.35.10
"Coarse Earthenware Plate, 12-inch, Specific Size" → 6912.00.35.10
"Artistic Ceramic Plate, Not Food-Safe" → 6907.40.10.51

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Strategic Cost Reduction

🎯 Remember This:

🔹 "Porcelain is Precious (High Base), Coarse is Cheap (Low Base)."
🔹 "Decorative is Deceptive (High Surcharge)."
🔹 "Size Matters: Check if your plate fits the 6912 specific size criteria to save ~24%."

📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider applying for a Section 301 Exclusion if available for specific ceramic types, or restructure your supply chain to avoid CN origin if possible. For most small businesses, accurate classification under 6912 is the best immediate savings strategy.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Audit your current product materials. Are they truly porcelain?
📄 Update your HS Codes from 6911.10.35.10 to 6912.00.35.10 if applicable.
🚀 Savings Alert: A $10,000 shipment could save $2,370 by switching from 43.5% to 19.8% tax!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every Percent Counts in the Age of Trade Wars!