6912 00 21: Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles: tableware and kitchenware, of common pottery

For classification in the various subheadings of this heading, see also the HS Explanatory Notes to this chapter and, in particular, the General Note to sub-chapter II, ‘Other ceramic products’.

For the classification of tableware, kitchenware and other household articles of a decorative nature and particularly those incorporating decorative designs in relief and the like, see the HS Explanatory Note to heading 6913, (B).

1. Beer mugs are generally classified in this heading; however, they are classified in heading 6913 if:

• their rims are so shaped or worked that it is awkward to drink from them;

• they are difficult to hold and convey to the mouth because of their shape;

• the designs in relief are of such a nature or so numerous as to make cleaning difficult;

• they are of unusual shape (for example, the shape of a skull or female bust);

• they are decorated in non-durable colours.

2. Articles which are in the shape of beer mugs, having decorative designs in relief or the like but with a capacity of less than 0,2 litre, generally fall in heading 6913.

These subheadings cover products obtained from ferruginous and calcareous clay (brick earth) which, when fractured, present an earthy, matt and coloured (generally, brown, red or yellow) appearance.

Their fragment is heterogeneous; the diameter of the non-homogeneous element (particles, inclusions, pores) representative of the structure of the general mass should be greater than 0,15 mm. These elements are therefore visible to the naked eye.

In addition, their porosity (coefficient of water absorption) is not less than 5 % by weight. Porosity is to be measured by the following method:

Determination of the coefficient of water absorption

Object and definition

The object of the test is to determine the coefficient of water absorption of the ceramic material. This coefficient represents a percentage calculated in relation to the initial weight of the ceramic material.

Preparation of test pieces and carrying out of tests

There should be a minimum of three test pieces for each item to be tested. They should be taken from the enamelled parts of the same article and must not have more than one enamelled surface.

The surface area of the test piece should be about 30 cm2 and its maximum thickness about 8 mm, including the enamel.

Dry the test pieces in a kiln at 105 °C for 3 hours and, after cooling in a dryer, determine their weight (Wd) to the nearest 0,05 g. Then immediately immerse the test pieces in distilled water in such a way that they do not touch the bottom of the container.

Boil in water for 2 hours, and then leave the test pieces in the water for 20 hours. Remove them and wipe off the surface water with a clean and slightly damp cloth. Dry any cavities and holes with a slightly damp thin brush. Ascertain the ‘wet’ weight Ww. The coefficient of water absorption of the test pieces is obtained by multiplying the increase in weight by 100 and dividing by the dry weight:

Evaluation of results

The average of the coefficients of water absorption of the different test pieces, expressed as a percentage, is the water absorption coefficient of the ceramic material.