HS Code Category

HS Code Candidates for Ceramic Mugs

Use this page to prepare candidate HS headings, product facts, material and function variants, invoice descriptions, ecommerce catalog fields, and risk flags before official review.

Use HS Code Finder Check CSV Catalog Read Methodology

Answer summary

Product facts to verify

Main material and fiber or chemical composition
Construction: knitted, woven, molded, assembled
Function and intended use
Whether it includes electronics, battery, magnets, leather, or textile
Country of origin and destination market

Use this tool

HS Code Finder Commercial Invoice CSV Catalog Checker

Source note

Candidates are preparation aids only. Verify final code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or the destination tariff database before filing.

Last reviewed

2026-08-02

Candidate headings table

Review candidates

The table below lists candidate HS headings for ceramic mugs. Each row is a starting point, not a final classification; verify in the destination tariff database before filing.

Code	Heading	Use when
`6911`	Tableware and kitchenware, of porcelain or china	The mug is porcelain or china and used for drinking, table, or kitchen service.
`6912`	Ceramic tableware and kitchenware, other than porcelain or china	The mug is stoneware, earthenware, or other non-porcelain ceramic for food or drink use.
`3924`	Tableware, kitchenware, and other household articles of plastics	A plastic lid, straw, or accessory is packaged separately and may require component review.
`7013`	Glassware of a kind used for table, kitchen, toilet, office, indoor decoration, or similar purposes	A cup or mug is glass rather than ceramic.
`8215`	Spoons, forks, ladles, and similar kitchen or tableware	A metal spoon or cutlery accessory is included and may need set or component review.

National extensions after the 6-digit heading vary by destination market. Verify the full national code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff before filing.

Decision tree

How to classify ceramic mugs

Step 1: Confirm body material

Porcelain/china, stoneware, earthenware, glass, or plastic.

Step 2: Confirm use

Food-contact tableware, decorative object, gift set, or accessory component.

Step 3: Review accessories

Lids, spoons, straws, coasters, and boxes may require set or component review.

Step 4: Add product facts

Capacity, glaze, print, food-contact wording, and retail packaging should be recorded.

Step 5: Verify destination source

Check USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff for the full national code.

Step 6: Draft invoice line

Use material + drinking vessel function + capacity + accessories. Avoid generic words such as gift or mug only.

Material variants

How material changes the code

Material	Typical heading	Notes
Porcelain or china	6911	Fine ceramic body; verify supplier material spec and whether the item is tableware.
Stoneware	6912	Common ecommerce mug body; verify fired ceramic type and food-contact description.
Earthenware	6912	Non-porcelain ceramic tableware; glaze and food-contact status should be documented.
Ceramic with bamboo lid	6912 + set review	The mug may still drive the candidate, but accessory material should be described.
Ceramic with silicone sleeve or lid	6912 / 3924	Plastic or silicone components may need separate review if imported as replacements.
Glass cup sold as mug	7013	If the drinking vessel is glass, a ceramic heading may not apply.

Function and use-case variants

How function changes the code

Function	Typical heading	Notes
Single drinking mug	6911 / 6912	Material split is the main decision: porcelain/china vs other ceramic.
Printed or sublimation mug	6911 / 6912	Printing usually supports description and origin review; material still drives the candidate.
Mug with lid or spoon	6911 / 6912 plus set review	Describe each accessory and verify whether the mug gives the set its essential character.
Gift set	Set review	Mug, spoon, coaster, box, or candy bundles may need component-level review.
Decorative mug not for food use	6913 / 6912	If sold primarily as decoration rather than tableware, verify decorative ceramic headings.
Retail multipack	6911 / 6912	Multipacks usually keep the same candidate when all mugs share material and function.

Risk flags

Source-check required

Flag	Impact on classification	Where to verify
Porcelain vs stoneware	The material split can move the candidate between 6911 and 6912.	USITC HTS chapter 69 notes, EU TARIC ceramic tableware headings.
Food-contact wording	Invoices and catalog records should state tableware or drinking vessel use and material safety where relevant.	FDA food-contact guidance, EU food-contact materials rules, destination authority.
Gift set components	Lids, spoons, coasters, or packaging may require set analysis or separate lines.	GRI 3(b), destination tariff database.
Printed brand or artwork	Trademark, licensing, and origin marking issues may apply when logos or artwork are printed.	Destination IP and origin marking guidance.
Fragile packaging notes	Packaging does not decide the heading, but it supports shipping and document consistency for fragile goods.	Carrier packaging guidance and commercial invoice practice.
Country of origin	Origin may affect additional tariffs, anti-dumping review, or ceramic tableware measures.	USITC HTS, USTR, EU TARIC, destination trade remedies.

Risk flags signal the need for official review before the candidate code is used on customs documents.

Invoice description examples

Strong descriptions

Strong invoice descriptions include material, function, product type, and key components (battery, electronics, magnet, leather, textile). Avoid generic words such as gift, sample, accessory, or product. The descriptions below are examples only, not final classifications.

Stoneware ceramic mug, 350 ml, printed design, food-contact tableware
Porcelain coffee mug, 300 ml, white glaze, food-contact tableware
Ceramic mug with bamboo lid and stainless steel spoon, retail gift set
Stoneware tea mug, 400 ml, matte glaze, no lid
Porcelain mug set, 4 pieces, printed logo, food-contact tableware
Earthenware ceramic cup, 250 ml, glazed interior, tableware

Use these descriptions on the commercial invoice line item, with the candidate HS code and country of origin declared per line.

Ecommerce catalog fields

Shopify, WooCommerce, and CSV fields to check

Before labels and invoices are generated, prepare these fields in your ecommerce catalog. The CSV Catalog Checker scans Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or custom CSV exports for missing customs fields locally in your browser.

Field	Why it matters
SKU	Maps the mug style to invoice, packing list, and artwork version.
Material	Porcelain, stoneware, earthenware, or glass drives the candidate heading.
Food-contact use	A drinking vessel should be described as tableware or food-contact product where appropriate.
Capacity	Volume such as 300 ml or 12 oz improves invoice clarity and product matching.
Decoration	Printed, sublimation, decal, or plain finish helps identify the SKU and artwork risk.
Accessories	Lid, spoon, straw, coaster, or box can trigger set or component review.
Country of origin	Origin drives additional tariff and trade-remedy checks.
Destination market	The national extension and food-contact documentation vary by destination.
Candidate HS code	Working candidate from the AI HS Code Finder; not binding.
Customs description	Use material + function + capacity + accessory facts on the commercial invoice.
Unit value and currency	Required for duty and landed cost estimates.
Packaging type	Fragile retail box, foam insert, or master carton supports shipping documents but does not decide classification.

Pair this with the Commercial Invoice Generator, the HS Code Finder, and the CSV Catalog Checker.

Worked example

Worked example: reviewing a printed stoneware mug

Scenario: A merch seller imports 1,200 printed stoneware mugs from China to the United States. The mug is 350 ml, food-contact tableware, sold in individual retail boxes.

Step 1: identify material. Supplier spec says stoneware ceramic, not porcelain or china.
Step 2: select the candidate family. Other ceramic tableware may fall under 6912; verify the US national extension in USITC HTS.
Step 3: record function and decoration. The item is a drinking mug with printed artwork, not a purely decorative object.
Step 4: record packaging. Fragile retail packaging supports shipping documents but does not decide the heading.
Step 5: write the invoice line: stoneware ceramic mug, 350 ml, printed design, food-contact tableware.
Step 6: check origin and destination measures before using the estimate in the Import Duty Calculator.

The candidate is a preparation aid only. Verify material, national extension, and any destination food-contact or trade-remedy rule before filing.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

Calling every mug ceramic without distinguishing porcelain, stoneware, or earthenware.
Leaving food-contact use out of the customs description.
Treating gift sets as a single mug without checking accessories.
Using packaging fragility as a classification driver.
Forgetting to separate glass mugs from ceramic mugs.
Copying supplier wording such as gift item without material and capacity.
Skipping origin and destination trade-remedy checks for ceramic tableware.

Related Tools

Continue the workflow

Editorial

About this category page

Written by the TariffCatalog Editorial Team. Maintained by Ryan Cole and reviewed for candidate-only customs-data workflow clarity.

This page follows TariffCatalog's methodology for candidate-only classification, estimate-only calculators, and document draft workflows. Candidates are preparation aids, not binding classifications.

Methodology Sources Report an error

Maintainer

Reviewed by Ryan Cole

Ryan Cole maintains TariffCatalog from the perspective of a long-time ecommerce operator with 15+ years of experience in product catalog, international shipping, and pre-shipment data workflows. This page is reviewed for candidate-only HS code preparation, source-check clarity, and estimate-only or candidate-only wording.

TariffCatalog is a preparation aid, not a customs broker, legal, tax, or freight-forwarding service. Verify final classifications, rates, documents, and filing treatment with official sources or qualified professionals.

Last reviewed: August 2026 · Maintainer entity: Ryan Cole · Source policy: verified against official customs and tariff sources

Official Source Note

Check final codes

USITC HTS

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

CBP

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

EU TARIC

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

UK Trade Tariff

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

FAQ

Common questions

Are these HS code candidates binding?

No. These headings are candidates and preparation aids only. Final classification depends on material, function, accessories, destination tariff rules, and official source review. Verify before filing.

Why does porcelain vs stoneware matter?

Porcelain or china tableware commonly uses a different heading family from stoneware or earthenware. Ask the supplier for the ceramic body type and verify it in the destination tariff database.

Does printing change the mug candidate?

Usually printing is a description fact, not the main classification driver. The mug body material and tableware function remain the main facts, but licensed artwork or brand logos may add IP or origin-marking risk.

How should a mug with a lid be reviewed?

Describe the lid material and whether it is packaged with the mug as a set or sold separately. The mug may still give the set its essential character, but verify under the destination set rules.

What food-contact wording should appear on the invoice?

Use wording such as food-contact tableware or drinking vessel when accurate, plus material and capacity. This supports customs review and food-contact documentation.

Do fragile packaging notes affect classification?

No. Fragile packaging supports shipping and document consistency, but it does not decide the candidate heading. Keep packaging notes separate from classification notes.

Can mug gift sets use one candidate?

Sometimes. A simple mug and lid set may share a set candidate, while mugs bundled with spoons, coasters, food, or unrelated accessories may need component review. Verify before filing.

When should I ask for professional review?

Ask for review when material is unclear, the set contains several components, the shipment is high value, or destination food-contact and trade-remedy rules may apply.

Last reviewed: 2026-08-02

Disclaimer

TariffCatalog provides candidate HS code suggestions, estimate-only calculators, and document drafts. Verify final classifications, duty rates, document requirements, and filing obligations with official sources, carriers, brokers, or destination authorities before filing or shipping.

Candidate headings on this page are preparation aids, not binding classifications. Final classification depends on exact product facts and the destination tariff rules in effect on the entry date.