Product classification

HS code for Abrasive cloth: 6805.10

Abrasive powder or grain, natural or artificial, on a base of woven textile fabric only, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up.

Classification of abrasive cloth under HS 6805.10

Abrasive cloth is classified under HS code 680510, which specifically covers natural or artificial abrasive powder or grain on a base of woven textile fabric. The classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, focusing on the material composition of the backing. For a product to fall under this subheading, the abrasive grains—such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, or emery—must be bonded to a substrate consisting exclusively of woven textile materials like cotton, polyester, or blended fibers. This classification applies regardless of whether the material is presented in large rolls, cut sheets, or specific shapes like belts, provided the backing remains textile-based. The technical distinction is vital because the Harmonized System differentiates abrasives based on their carrier material to account for varying industrial applications and durability requirements. Textile-backed abrasives are generally preferred for heavy-duty applications where flexibility and tear resistance are required, such as in metalworking or heavy wood sanding.

Covers
  • Emery cloth sheets and rolls
  • Aluminum oxide abrasive belts with cotton backing
  • Silicon carbide sanding sleeves on textile base
  • Woven polyester abrasive strips
  • Waterproof abrasive cloth for industrial metal finishing
Also under 6805.10
  • 3M Cubitron II abrasive belts
  • Norton Abrasives cloth sanding discs
  • Klingspor abrasive rolls
  • Mirka Abranet Ace HD mesh abrasives

Codes often confused with 6805.10

Common mistake. Abrasive cloth is frequently misclassified under HS code 680520, which is reserved for abrasives on a paper or paperboard base. Another common error is using HS code 680530, which covers abrasives on other materials, such as vulcanized fiber or plastic film. Importers must verify the exact nature of the backing; if the backing is a combination of paper and textile, it must be classified under 680530 rather than 680510. Additionally, finished tools that incorporate abrasive cloth, such as flap wheels with a central hub, may sometimes be confused with heading 6804, though 6805 remains the primary heading for the coated abrasive material itself.

6805.20Abrasive powder or grain; natural or artificial, on a base of paper or paperboard only, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up6805.30Abrasive powder or grain; natural or artificial, on a base of materials n.e.c. in heading no. 6805, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up68.04Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels, etc without frameworks, for grinding, sharpening, polishing, etc and parts thereof, natural stone, agglomerated natural or artificial abrasives or of ceramics68.05Abrasive powder or grain; natural or artificial, on a base of textile material, of paper, paperboard or of other material, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up

Top exporters and importers of HS 680510 (the code used for abrasive cloth), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 680510 (the code used for abrasive cloth) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 680510, not only abrasive cloth.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $396M
  2. 2 China $250M
  3. 3 United States $139M

World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $186M
  2. 2 United States $145M
  3. 3 Poland $74M

World total: $1.4B 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 abrasive cloth

Brazil classifies abrasive cloth under NCM 6805.10.00: HS 6805.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about abrasive cloth

What is the HS code for Abrasive cloth?

The HS code for Abrasive cloth is 680510 (Abrasive powder or grain; natural or artificial, on a base of woven textile fabric only, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up). The HS code for abrasive cloth (abrasive grains on a woven textile base) is 680510.

How do I classify Abrasive cloth for customs?

Abrasive cloth is classified under HS code 680510 — Abrasive powder or grain; natural or artificial, on a base of woven textile fabric only, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include abrasive belts?

Yes, abrasive belts are included under 680510 provided the backing material is a woven textile fabric, even if they have been cut and joined into a loop.

Which countries are the top exporters of abrasive cloth (HS 680510)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 680510 (the code used for abrasive cloth) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($396M, 28% of world exports), China ($250M) and the United States ($139M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 abrasive cloth (HS 680510)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 680510 (the code used for abrasive cloth) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($186M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($145M) and Poland ($74M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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.

Is the HS code for Abrasive cloth the same in all countries?

The base HS code 680510 for Abrasive cloth is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for abrasive cloth in Brazil?

In Brazil, abrasive cloth (HS 680510) is classified under NCM 6805.10.00.