Product classification
HS code for Sandpaper: 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 sandpaper under HS 6805.20
The classification of sandpaper under HS code 6805.20 is strictly governed by the nature of the backing material used to support the abrasive grains. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), products are classified based on their constituent materials and their state of manufacture. Heading 6805 specifically covers natural or artificial abrasive powder or grain on a base of textile material, paper, paperboard, or other materials. Subheading 6805.20 is reserved for those abrasives where the base consists exclusively of paper or paperboard. This includes various types of abrasive grains such as corundum, silicon carbide, or garnet that are adhered to the paper surface using resins or glues. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the paper is presented in large rolls, rectangular sheets, or specific shapes like discs or strips, provided the backing is paper-based. The durability and intended use, such as hand sanding or light machine sanding, do not change the classification if the material composition meets the criteria of 6805.20. This code is essential for customs to distinguish between light-duty paper abrasives and heavy-duty industrial cloth-backed versions.
- Covers
- Flint paper sheets
- Garnet paper rolls
- Silicon carbide waterproof paper
- Aluminum oxide paper-backed sanding discs
- Glass paper for woodworking
- 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. Sandpaper is frequently confused with HS code 6805.10, which is specifically for abrasives on a woven textile base. Another common error is using 6805.30, which covers abrasives on other materials like vulcanized fiber or plastic film. It is also sometimes incorrectly placed in Chapter 48 (Paper) because of the substrate, but the abrasive function dictates classification in Chapter 68.
Top exporters and importers of HS 680520 (the code used for sandpaper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 680520 (the code used for sandpaper) 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 sandpaper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $321M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $195M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $103M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $163M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $130M 10% of world imports
- 3 Poland $75M 5.9% of world imports
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 sandpaper
Brazil classifies sandpaper 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 sandpaper
What is the HS code for Sandpaper?
The HS code for Sandpaper 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). The HS code for sandpaper with a paper or paperboard backing is 6805.20.
How do I classify Sandpaper for customs?
Sandpaper 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.
Does the grit size affect the HS code?
No, the grit size (coarseness) does not change the HS code; the classification is determined by the backing material (paper) and the presence of abrasive grains.
Which countries are the top exporters of sandpaper (HS 680520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 680520 (the code used for sandpaper) 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 sandpaper (HS 680520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 680520 (the code used for sandpaper) 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 Sandpaper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 680520 for Sandpaper 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 sandpaper in Brazil?
In Brazil, sandpaper (HS 680520) is classified under NCM 6805.20.00.