Vitrified tiles are classified under HS 6907.21. That subheading covers ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles with a water absorption coefficient by weight not exceeding 0.5%. Indian vitrified tiles, including GVT, PGVT, double-charge and full-body, are made to that absorption level, so they normally fall here.
The first six digits are the same in every country that uses the Harmonized System. Your country then adds its own digits for duty and statistics, so the full code on your import entry will be longer.
How heading 6907 is split
Since the 2017 edition of the Harmonized System, heading 6907 splits tiles by water absorption rather than by whether they are glazed:
- 6907.21: water absorption not exceeding 0.5% (porcelain and vitrified).
- 6907.22: water absorption over 0.5% but not over 10% (many floor tiles that are not fully vitrified).
- 6907.23: water absorption over 10% (typical ceramic wall tiles).
- 6907.30: mosaic cubes and similar.
- 6907.40: finishing ceramics, such as trims and edge pieces.
Why absorption decides the code
Absorption is a measured property, tested under ISO 10545-3. It also matches the product groups in ISO 13006 and EN 14411, where group BIa is 0.5% or less. If a product sold as vitrified actually tests above 0.5%, it belongs under a different subheading. That can change the duty, and in some markets a trade remedy applies to specific subheadings.
Keep a recent absorption test report for each product. If customs questions the code, the report is your evidence. The difference between the product types is explained in ceramic vs porcelain vs vitrified tiles.
Common classification mistakes
- Using an old glazed or unglazed code from before 2017 on the invoice.
- Classifying all products in a mixed container under one code when some are wall tiles above 10% absorption.
- Putting trims, skirting and step pieces under the tile code instead of finishing ceramics.
- Assuming large porcelain slabs need a different code; slabs sold as floor or wall covering are generally still in 6907, but cut-to-size worktops should be checked with your broker.
National codes and checks
After the six digits, national tariffs can split further, for example by tile size or surface. India uses an eight-digit code on the export side; the EU, US and Gulf states use their own longer import codes. The factory's code and yours may not match beyond six digits, and that is normal.
Ask your customs broker to confirm the full import code before your first order, and give the factory the six-digit code to use on the invoice and certificate of origin. Duty rates and trade remedies are covered in import duties on Indian tiles in the Gulf, US and EU.
Next step
We check that the factory's test reports, invoice and origin certificate all support the same code. To prepare the paperwork for your first container, book a free sourcing review.