HS 680430 Hand sharpening or polishing stones
Quick Answer: Hand sharpening or polishing stones imported under HS 680430 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification covers natural or artificial stones, whether or not shaped, for sharpening or polishing, such as whetstones, grinding stones, and polishing discs. These are typically used for maintaining the edges of tools or for finishing surfaces. Importers should verify specific national regulations and any potential non-tariff barriers. CustomTariffs aggregates this duty rate information for ease of trade planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6804300000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6804300000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6804300000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 680430 cover?
This subheading covers hand sharpening or polishing stones, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. These are typically small, portable stones made of natural or artificial abrasives, such as silicon carbide or aluminum oxide, bonded together. They are specifically designed for manual use to sharpen or polish edges of tools, knives, or other implements. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this category includes items like whetstones, sharpening stones, and honing stones intended for hand operation.
What falls outside HS 680430?
The following products are excluded from HS 680430: larger grinding wheels or discs for machines, which are classified under HS 6804.10 or 6804.22, respectively. Also excluded are polishing compounds or pastes, even if used in conjunction with stones, as these are typically classified under Chapter 34. Sharpening devices that incorporate mechanical elements or are powered by electricity, such as electric knife sharpeners, are also not covered by this subheading and would fall under different HS codes based on their primary function and construction.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 680430?
A common error is misclassifying sharpening stones that are designed for use with powered machinery under HS 680430. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. If a stone is intended for mechanical sharpening, it should be classified under HS 6804.10 (grinding wheels) or HS 6804.22 (other grinding wheels, etc., of other materials), not as a hand sharpening stone. Another mistake is classifying polishing kits that include multiple abrasive elements and compounds separately.
How should importers classify products under HS 680430?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 680430 involves a detailed examination of the product's intended use and design. Importers and customs brokers must ascertain whether the sharpening or polishing stone is designed for manual operation. Reviewing product literature, manufacturer specifications, and comparing the item against the descriptive text of HS 6804 and its subheadings is crucial. Consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC for specific product examples and ruling is also recommended to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 680430?
A set of two natural sharpening stones, weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $1.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($50 USD × 0.03 = $1.50). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 680430. Note that specific countries may have different rates under preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 680430?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 680430, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. For goods originating from developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the duty rate can be reduced to Free. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA, or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 680430 (Hand sharpening or polishing stones)?
The import duty rates for HS code 680430 can vary by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is Free. In the European Union, under TARIC, the rate is also typically Free. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a Free rate for this classification. Always verify the specific rate applicable to your country of import and any potential trade agreements.
What criteria define a product as a 'hand sharpening or polishing stone' under HS code 680430?
HS code 680430 covers natural or artificial stones, shaped or worked, for sharpening or polishing, that are designed for manual use. This includes items like whetstones, sharpening stones, and polishing stones, whether made from natural materials (e.g., sandstone) or artificial abrasives (e.g., silicon carbide, aluminum oxide) bonded together. The key is their intended use for hand-held sharpening or polishing and their form factor suitable for such manual operations. Items designed for machine use would fall under different headings.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods classified under HS 680430?
While HS code 680430 itself doesn't typically trigger unique documentation beyond standard import requirements, importers and customs brokers must ensure the commercial invoice accurately describes the goods, their material composition, intended use, and value. A certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. It is also prudent to have product literature or specifications confirming the item's function as a hand sharpening or polishing stone.
How is the import duty calculated for hand sharpening or polishing stones if a duty were applicable?
While HS 680430 often carries a Free duty rate in major markets, if a duty were applicable (e.g., a specific rate for a particular country or under certain trade conditions), it would typically be calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination. For instance, if a hypothetical duty rate was 5% ad valorem and the declared customs value of a shipment of sharpening stones was $1,000, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $1,000 = $50. If there was also a specific duty of $0.10 per kilogram and the shipment weighed 50 kg, an additional $5 (50 kg * $0.10/kg) would be added, for a total duty of $55.
Which trade agreements commonly provide preferential duty rates for HS code 680430?
Many Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) provide for duty-free or reduced-duty treatment for goods classified under HS code 680430. For example, goods originating from countries party to the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may benefit from preferential treatment when imported into the US, Mexico, or Canada, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, goods originating from countries with FTAs with the EU or the UK might also qualify for preferential rates. Importers must consult the specific terms and rules of origin for the relevant trade agreement to determine eligibility.