Effective Duty Rate
0% USMCA for qualifying ceramics
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Low
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
FDA, CPSC, EPA
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Ceramic Products, Tiles & Porcelain from Mexico
Importing ceramics from Mexico into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0% USMCA for qualifying ceramics. The USMCA agreement provides significant tariff advantages — qualifying goods may enter at preferential or zero-duty rates, making this a cost-efficient import corridor.
Ceramics imported from Mexico to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — Mexico Origin
Mexico is a major ceramic tile manufacturer (Vitromex, Lamosa, Interceramic). USMCA provides zero-duty access. Mexican ceramic tile imports are the largest in the US market.
SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT
Estimated Landed Cost: Ceramics from Mexico
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component |
Amount |
Notes |
| Cargo Value (CIF) |
$50,000.00 |
Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (0.0%) |
$0.00 |
USMCA preferential / ITA zero-rate |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) |
$173.20 |
Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) |
$62.50 |
Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees |
$235.70 |
Effective rate: 0.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost |
$50,235.70 |
Cargo + all US duties/fees |
✓ USMCA preferential rates reduce base duty to 0% for qualifying goods. MPF and HMF still apply on all entries.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Ceramics Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to ceramics imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 6907 |
Ceramic Floor & Wall Tiles (glazed and unglazed) |
0%–8.5% MFN |
| 6911 |
Tableware & Kitchenware of Porcelain or China |
0%–26% MFN |
| 6912 |
Tableware of Other Ceramic Materials (stoneware, earthenware) |
0%–28% MFN |
| 6909 |
Ceramic Products for Laboratory, Chemical, or Industrial Use |
0%–4.5% MFN |
| 6914 |
Other Ceramic Articles (decorative, ornamental) |
0%–11% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — MEXICO ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for Mexico-Origin Ceramics
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All Mexico-origin goods (baseline) |
| USMCA Preferential Rate |
Reduced / 0% (qualifying goods) |
Goods meeting USMCA rules of origin |
| Section 301 |
Not applicable |
Mexico-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 |
Exempt under USMCA |
Steel and aluminum imports from Mexico |
COMPLIANCE — FDA / CPSC / EPA
US Compliance Requirements for Ceramics Imports
Regardless of origin country, ceramics imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- FDA lead and cadmium release limits for ceramic food-contact articles (21 CFR 109.16) — extractable lead limits: 3.0 ppm (flatware), 2.0 ppm (small hollowware), 1.0 ppm (large hollowware), 0.5 ppm (cups and mugs)
- CPSC ban on lead-containing paint or surface coatings on ceramic products intended for children — CPSIA total lead limits apply
- California Prop 65 lead and cadmium warnings required for ceramic food-contact products exceeding California's more stringent thresholds
- Country of origin marking required on all ceramic articles per 19 CFR Part 134 — must be permanent (fired, etched, or ink-stamped)
Compliance Check Tool
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Ceramics from Mexico
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Mexico. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with ceramic type, glaze description, and intended use
2
Packing List (fragile goods packaging documentation)
4
FDA food-contact compliance certificates (lead and cadmium extraction test results from accredited lab)
5
Country of Origin Declaration
6
CPSC compliance certificate (for consumer ceramic products)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Ceramics from Mexico
25–45 days (ocean from Asia/Europe; heavy and fragile); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
3–7 days truck freight from border
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Ceramics from Mexico
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing ceramics from Mexico?
The effective US tariff rate for ceramics from Mexico is: 0% USMCA for qualifying ceramics. Mexico is a major ceramic tile manufacturer (Vitromex, Lamosa, Interceramic). USMCA provides zero-duty access. Mexican ceramic tile imports are the largest in the US market.
What compliance agencies regulate ceramics imports from Mexico?
Ceramics imports require compliance with: FDA, CPSC, EPA. Specific requirements include: FDA lead and cadmium release limits for ceramic food-contact articles (21 CFR 109.16) — extractable lead limits: 3.0 ppm (flatware), 2.0 ppm (small hollowware), 1.0 ppm (large hollowware), 0.5 ppm (cups and mugs) and CPSC ban on lead-containing paint or surface coatings on ceramic products intended for children — CPSIA total lead limits apply.
What documents are required to import ceramics from Mexico?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with ceramic type, glaze description, and intended use; Packing List (fragile goods packaging documentation); Bill of Lading; FDA food-contact compliance certificates (lead and cadmium extraction test results from accredited lab). Additional: Country of Origin Declaration; CPSC compliance certificate (for consumer ceramic products). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs Mexico.
How long does customs clearance take for ceramics from Mexico?
Typical timeline: 25–45 days (ocean from Asia/Europe; heavy and fragile); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on ceramics from Mexico?
No Section 301 or Section 232 surcharges apply to Mexico-origin ceramics. Only base MFN rates (or FTA preferential rates where applicable) apply.
What HTS codes and duty rates apply to ceramic product imports?
Ceramic products are classified primarily under HTS Chapters 69 (ceramic products) and 68 (stone, ceramic, glass). Porcelain and ceramic tableware (6911–6912): 3%–26% MFN — dinnerware and kitchen items often face high rates. Sanitary ceramic ware (6910): 2.5%–5.8% MFN. Ceramic tiles (6907–6908): 0%–19.9% MFN depending on type. Refractory ceramics (6902–6904): 0%–2.5% MFN. Chinese ceramics face 25% Section 301 additional duty for most HTS codes on List 3. Ceramic dinnerware and tile have historically been subject to AD/CVD investigations — verify current orders before importing.
What FDA lead and cadmium requirements apply to ceramic tableware?
FDA enforces limits on lead and cadmium migration from ceramic tableware glazes into food under 21 CFR Part 109 (unavoidable contaminants) and CPG Sec. 545.450. Limits: flatware/plates ≤3 ppm lead; cups/mugs ≤2 ppm lead; pitchers/jugs ≤0.5 ppm lead. Cadmium limits are separate and equally strict. FDA has detained ceramic dinnerware from China, Mexico, and other countries for lead-in-glaze violations. Require supplier-provided test reports from accredited laboratories demonstrating compliance with FDA leaching limits before the first import. Hand-painted decorative ceramics carry higher risk.
Are there antidumping duties on imported ceramic tile from China?
Yes. Active antidumping and countervailing duty orders on ceramic tile from China (Cases A-570-923/C-570-924) impose significant additional duties. AD rates for Chinese ceramic tile can range from approximately 33% to over 400% for non-cooperative producers. This stacks on Section 301 (25%) and MFN rates (up to 19.9%) — making Chinese ceramic tile effectively prohibitive for most US buyers. The US ceramic tile market has substantially shifted to sourcing from Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mexico, and India as a result.
How do I claim USMCA preferential tariff treatment for goods from Mexico?
To claim USMCA preference, you (or your customs broker) must have a valid Certificate of Origin from the Mexican exporter at the time of entry. The certificate confirms rules of origin compliance and must be retained for 5 years for CBP audit purposes. You do not need to transmit it to CBP at entry, but it must be produced immediately upon request.
Are goods manufactured in Mexico from Chinese components eligible for USMCA?
Not automatically. USMCA requires sufficient transformation in North America — simple assembly of imported components without a qualifying tariff shift or meeting RVC thresholds generally does not qualify. The specific rules vary by HTS code under USMCA Annex 4-B. Consult a licensed customs broker or trade attorney to evaluate whether your specific product meets USMCA rules of origin.
What are the IMMEX program implications for importing manufactured goods from Mexico?
Mexico's IMMEX program allows manufacturers to temporarily import inputs duty-free for incorporation into export goods. IMMEX-manufactured goods exported to the US may qualify for USMCA preferential rates provided rules of origin are met. CBP expects importers claiming USMCA to verify that foreign inputs were either North American origin or sufficiently transformed — IMMEX manufacturing records are key supporting documentation.
TRADE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.