HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 6804.23 – Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like; of natural stone
HS code 6804.23 is the 6-digit subheading for millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like, of natural stone. It is used for natural whetstones, arkansas stones, belgian Coticule stones, japanese natural waterstones and scythe sharpening stones.
What HS 6804.23 covers
This HS code covers millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels, and similar tools made entirely or predominantly from natural stone. These tools leverage the inherent abrasive qualities of specific geological formations, often used for traditional sharpening, fine grinding, or specialized applications where the unique properties of natural stone are preferred over synthetic abrasives. They are distinct from agglomerated abrasives, which involve bonding abrasive grains together. Importers often include craftsmen, woodworking enthusiasts, and industries requiring specific natural stone characteristics for their processes. Exporters are typically countries with access to particular natural abrasive stone deposits and the expertise to quarry and shape them into functional tools. The trade in these items caters to niche markets valuing traditional methods and the unique finish provided by natural materials.
- Covers
- Natural whetstones
- Arkansas stones
- Belgian Coticule stones
- Japanese natural waterstones
- Scythe sharpening stones
- Oilstones
- Natural sandstone grinding wheels
- Examples
- Norton natural sharpening stones
- Naniwa natural waterstones
- various artisanal Arkansas stones
- traditional scythe sharpening stones
Codes often confused with 6804.23
Common mistake. Can be confused with 680430 (hand sharpening stones) but 680423 implies larger, often machine-driven or more substantial grinding applications. Also distinct from agglomerated abrasives (680421, 680422).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 680423, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 680423 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $17M 27% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $12M 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $7.7M 12% of world exports
World total: $63M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $19M 21% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $8.1M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 India $7.1M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $91M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 6804.23
Brazil does not split HS 6804.23: its NCM code is 6804.23.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 68.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 6804.23
What is HS code 680423?
HS code 680423 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like; of natural stone. This HS code covers millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels, and similar tools made entirely or predominantly from natural stone. These tools leverage the inherent abrasive qualities of specific geological formations, often used for traditional sharpening, fine grinding, or specialized applications where the unique properties of natural stone are preferred over synthetic abrasives. They are distinct from agglomerated abrasives, which involve bonding abrasive grains together. Importers often include craftsmen, woodworking enthusiasts, and industries requiring specific natural stone characteristics for their processes. Exporters are typically countries with access to particular natural abrasive stone deposits and the expertise to quarry and shape them into functional tools. The trade in these items caters to niche markets valuing traditional methods and the unique finish provided by natural materials.
What products fall under HS code 680423?
Natural whetstones, Arkansas stones, Belgian Coticule stones, Japanese natural waterstones, scythe sharpening stones, oilstones, natural sandstone grinding wheels
What are common misclassifications for HS code 680423?
Can be confused with 680430 (hand sharpening stones) but 680423 implies larger, often machine-driven or more substantial grinding applications. Also distinct from agglomerated abrasives (680421, 680422).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 680423?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 680423 in UN Comtrade data were China ($17M, 27% of world exports), Mexico ($12M) and the United States ($7.7M). World exports came to about $63M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 680423?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 680423 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($19M, 21% of world imports), Mexico ($8.1M) and India ($7.1M). World imports came to about $91M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 680423 structured?
HS code 680423 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (68) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (23) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 680423?
In Brazil, HS code 680423 is NCM 6804.23.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.