6911.10.45.00 - Mugs and other steins

This HTS category, 6911.10.45.00, specifically classifies "Mugs and other steins" made from porcelain or china. This designation applies to vessels designed for drinking, typically with a handle, that are characterized by their robust construction, often intended for larger quantities of beverages or for specific traditional drinking customs. Steins, in particular, are usually distinguished by their lids, often made of pewter, although the primary classification here hinges on the ceramic body and its form as a drinking vessel.

This classification is distinct from its sibling categories, primarily by focusing on standalone mugs and steins as opposed to more specialized or multi-part items. For instance, sibling category 6911.10.41.00 encompasses a broader range of items including steins with permanently attached pewter lids, alongside candy boxes, decanters, and condiment sets. The distinction lies in whether the primary function is drinking as a mug or stein, versus being part of a set or serving a different purpose. Similarly, the value-based distinctions in categories 6911.10.52.00 and 6911.10.58.00 relate to specific price points per dozen for cups and other tableware, rather than the inherent form or function of a mug or stein itself.

As a leaf node, this category has no further subcategories. Therefore, its scope is precisely defined by the descriptions of "mugs" and "steins" within the context of porcelain or china tableware. Classification under this code should consider the primary design and intended use of the ceramic vessel as a drinking receptacle, differentiating it from other ceramic articles that may share some physical characteristics but serve entirely different purposes or are classified under more specific sibling entries.