Product classification

HS code for Abrasive paper: 6805.20

Abrasive 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 up.

Classification of abrasive paper under HS 6805.20

Abrasive paper, commonly known as sandpaper, is classified under HS code 680520. This classification is designated for natural or artificial abrasive powder or grain on a base of paper or paperboard only. According to the Chapter 68 notes, the product must consist of the abrasive material bonded to the paper substrate, regardless of whether it is presented in sheets, rolls, or specific die-cut shapes like discs or triangles for power sanders. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the subheading text explicitly mentions the paper base. This material is widely used in woodworking, automotive body repair, and general surface preparation. The weight of the paper (ranging from light A-weight to heavy F-weight) does not change the HS code, provided the substrate remains paper-based. The presence of waterproof coatings or stearates to prevent clogging also does not affect the classification under 680520.

Covers
  • Sandpaper sheets (flint, garnet, or glass paper)
  • Waterproof silicon carbide paper
  • Abrasive paper rolls for drum sanders
  • Hook and loop abrasive discs with paper backing
  • Aluminum oxide paper for orbital sanders
Also under 6805.20
  • 3M sandpaper sheets
  • Norton Abrasives paper sanding discs
  • Klingspor wet/dry sandpaper
  • Gator Grit sanding rolls

Codes often confused with 6805.20

Common mistake. Abrasive paper is often confused with HS code 680510, which is strictly for textile-backed abrasives. Another common mistake is classifying it under 680530, which is the residual category for abrasives on other bases (like fiber or plastic) or combination bases (paper plus textile). Importers should also avoid heading 4811, which covers various types of coated and covered paper; Note 1(n) to Chapter 48 specifically excludes abrasive paper, directing it to heading 6805. Ensuring the backing is 100% paper or paperboard is the key to maintaining the 680520 classification.

6805.10Abrasive 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 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 up48.11Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-coloured, decorated or printed, rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 481068.05Abrasive 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 680520 (the code used for abrasive paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 680520 (the code used for abrasive paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 680520, not only abrasive paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $321M
  2. 2 Germany $195M
  3. 3 United States $103M

World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $163M
  2. 2 United States $130M
  3. 3 Poland $75M

World total: $1.3B 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 paper

Brazil classifies abrasive paper under NCM 6805.20.00: HS 6805.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about abrasive paper

What is the HS code for Abrasive paper?

The HS code for Abrasive paper is 680520 (Abrasive 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 up).

How do I classify Abrasive paper for customs?

Abrasive paper is classified under HS code 680520 — Abrasive 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 up. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for sandpaper?

The HS code for sandpaper (abrasive grains on a paper base) is 680520.

Does this code cover waterproof abrasive paper?

Yes, as long as the abrasive is on a paper base, waterproof treatments do not change the classification from 680520.

Which countries are the top exporters of abrasive paper (HS 680520)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 680520 (the code used for abrasive paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($321M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($195M) and the United States ($103M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 paper (HS 680520)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 680520 (the code used for abrasive paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($163M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($130M) and Poland ($75M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 680520 for Abrasive paper 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 paper in Brazil?

In Brazil, abrasive paper (HS 680520) is classified under NCM 6805.20.00.