Amendment to the Communiqué on the Application of Surveillance in Imports (Communiqué No: 2018/5)

1. What Has Changed Compared to the Previous Regulation

With this amendment, the table under Article 1 of the Communiqué on the Application of Surveillance in Imports (No: 2018/5) has been updated as follows:

a) Products with unchanged surveillance thresholds

For ceramic tiles and related products under GTIP 6907, the unit customs values remain the same as before:

• 6907.21.00.00.00 – Water absorption ≤ 0.5%: USD 1,000/ton
• 6907.22.00.00.00 – Water absorption >0.5% and ≤10%: USD 1,000/ton
• 6907.23.00.00.00 – Water absorption >10%: USD 1,000/ton
• 6907.30.00.00.00 – Mosaic cubes and similar (excluding 6907.40): USD 1,500/ton
• 6907.40.00.00.00 – Finishing ceramics: USD 1,000/ton

b) Products with increased surveillance thresholds

For sanitary ware classified under GTIP 6910, the amendment introduces substantial increases:

• 6910.10.00.00.00 – Porcelain sanitary ware:Increased from USD 2,500/ton to USD 4,500/ton
• 6910.90.00.00.00 – Other sanitary ware:Increased from USD 1,500/ton to USD 4,500/ton

c) Measurement basis

• The surveillance value continues to be calculated per ton of gross weight.
• No change has been made to the valuation methodology itself.

d) Entry into force

• The amendment will enter into force 30 days after publication, i.e. on 30 January 2026.

2. Practical Meaning for Companies and Required Actions

From a compliance and operational perspective, this amendment is particularly critical for importers of sanitary ware.

Key implications include:

• The sharp increase in unit customs values under GTIP 6910 means that many imports previously outside the surveillance scope may now require a Surveillance Certificate.
• Importers declaring unit prices below USD 4,500/ton for sanitary ware will face mandatory surveillance controls.
• Customs authorities are likely to apply closer scrutiny to valuation, gross weight declarations, and product classification, especially for mixed consignments containing tiles and sanitary products.

Recommended actions for importers:

• Reassess all sanitary ware import contracts and pricing structures in light of the new thresholds.
• Review product classification carefully, particularly where ceramic products may borderline between headings 6907 and 6910.
• Ensure invoice values, gross weights, and delivery terms are internally consistent to avoid valuation challenges.
• Where required, initiate Surveillance Certificate applications well in advance to prevent clearance delays.

Failure to align declarations with the updated thresholds may result in blocked declarations, clearance delays, and potential administrative sanctions.

See relevant legislation document