Classification · CBLE study guide
Classification: footwear, stone, ceramics & glass (Ch. 64-71)
- 29past questions in CBLE Pass
- ≈2questions on a typical 80-question exam
- HTSUS Sections XII-XIVwhere the rules live
Common traps
Wrong answers on past exams cluster around a few beliefs. Here is each one, and what the rule actually says.
Porcelain and bone china
“Any porcelain cup goes by value or set breaks.”
The rule: Bone chinaware contains at least 25% calcined bone or tricalcium phosphate; bone china tableware not in specified sets is 6911.10.25.
Remember: ≥25% bone/TCP = bone china.
HTSUS Ch. 69 Add. U.S. Notes · HTSUS 6911.10.25
Worked stone slabs
“Polished slabs are 'merely cut' (Ch. 25) or 'simply cut with a flat surface' (6802.2x).”
The rule: Stone merely cut into blocks or slabs is Ch. 25; simply cut/sawn with a flat surface is 6802.2x; further worked (polished, etc.) is 6802.9x, e.g., granite 6802.93, marble slabs 6802.91.05.
Remember: Polished → 6802.9x.
HTSUS 6802.93 · HTSUS 6802.91
Sports footwear
“Cleated football shoes are ordinary footwear.”
The rule: Subheading Note 1(a) to Ch. 64: 'sports footwear' includes footwear designed for a sporting activity with, or provision for, spikes, cleats or similar. Such shoes go to the sports footwear subheading (e.g., 6403.19).
Remember: Provision for cleats = sports footwear.
HTSUS Ch. 64 Subheading Note 1(a)
Textile booties without an applied sole
“Infant booties are always footwear of Ch. 64.”
The rule: Chapter 64 excludes disposable or textile footwear without an outer sole glued, sewn or otherwise affixed to the upper (Note 1(b)); such items are classified by material (e.g., 6111 babies' garments).
Remember: No affixed sole → not Ch. 64.
HTSUS Ch. 64 Note 1(b)
Fiber-cement vs. cement or vegetable fiber articles
“Fiber-cement tiles are cement articles (6810) or vegetable fiber boards (6808).”
The rule: Articles of cellulose fiber-cement are in heading 6811; without asbestos, tiles are 6811.82.
Remember: Fiber-cement → 6811.
HTSUS 6811
Artificial flowers of feathers
“Feather flowers are feather articles of 6701 or 'other' artificial flowers.”
The rule: Artificial flowers are heading 6702 (6701 excludes them); those of feathers are 6702.90.10.
Remember: Artificial flowers → 6702 by material.
HTSUS 6702.90.10 · GRI 1
Try a past question
October 2026 CBLE, question 39
Of the four choices below, which is the best CLASSIFICATION of imitation precious or semiprecious stones made of glass which are designed to be used in jewelry?
Show the answer and why
A. Correct. Imitation precious or semiprecious stones of glass → 7018.10.20.
B. Incorrect. 7018.90.50 is 'other' articles.
C. Incorrect. 7103 is natural precious or semiprecious stones; glass imitations are 7018.10.
D. Incorrect. 7104 is synthetic stones.
HTSUS 7018.10.20 · law as of 2026-11-09
Practice this topic
CBLE Pass has all 29 past questions on classification: footwear, stone, ceramics & glass (ch. 64-71) with an explanation for every option, plus timed mock exams and drills on your weakest topics.
Open the app