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CN → US
HS Code Tariff Rate Origin Destination Doc
6804300000 35.0% CN US Official Doc
6804230000 35.0% CN US Official Doc
9603908050 70.3% CN US Official Doc
8205595560 40.3% CN US Official Doc
9603404040 14.0% CN US Official Doc

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AI Analysis

🔪 Whetstones / Sharpening Sticks (Sharpening Tools for Blades)


🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Whetstones"?

Whetstones (often referred to as sharpening sticks, whetstones, or diamond sharpeners in trade) are abrasive tools used for honing, sharpening, and maintaining the edges of knives, chisels, and other cutting instruments. In international trade, they are primarily classified under Chapter 68 (Articles of Stone, Plaster, Cement, Asbestos, Mica or Similar Materials) or Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles), depending on their material composition and structure.

Abrasive Articles (Chapter 68): Stones, blocks, or pads made from natural stone, corundum, or artificial abrasives, used purely for grinding/sharpening. Miscellaneous Sharpening Tools (Chapter 96): Handles, rods, or composite tools where the abrasive aspect is secondary to the tool structure, or specific "sticks" used for manual sharpening.

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a solid block, stone, or abrasive pad made of natural/artificial stone used for grinding → Classified under 6804.
- If the product is a hand-held stick, rod, or handle-based tool often used for quick touch-ups → Classified under 8205 or 9603.
- If the product is a brush-like abrasive tool or specialized fiber-based sharpening pad → Classified under 9603.


📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)

HS Code Product Description Application Scenario Material/Structure
6804.30.00.00 Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like, with working surfaces of natural stone, of artificial abrasives or of agglomerated natural or artificial abrasives, whether or not on cores, plates, or similar supports, for sharpening, grinding, or for sharpening grinding wheels, or for dressing, surfacing, honing, or lapping Standard whetstone blocks, sharpening stones, grinding pads ✅ Natural/Artificial Stone/Abrasive
6804.23.00.00 Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like, with working surfaces of natural stone, of artificial abrasives or of agglomerated natural or artificial abrasives, whether or not on cores, plates, or similar supports, for sharpening, grinding, or for sharpening grinding wheels, or for dressing, surfacing, honing, or lapping Abrasive carriers, sharpening sticks that function identically to blocks ✅ Abrasive Carrier/Stone
9603.90.80.50 Brooms, brushes (including brushes constituting parts of machines, appliances or vehicles), hand-operated mechanical floor sweepers, mops and feather dusters, hand-operated, non-mechanical cleaning pads, gloves, etc. Cleaning/sharpening consumables, fiber-based sharpening pads ✅ Fiber/Cloth/Material Consumable
8205.59.55.60 Hand tools, e.g., hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, pincers, tweezers, tongs, wrenches, spanners, chisels, punches, and similar hand tools, not fitted with interchangeable parts, not elsewhere specified or included Hand tool auxiliary sharpening consumables, sharpening sticks ✅ Hand Tool Auxiliary
9603.40.40.40 Brushes for painting, decorating, polishing or applying cosmetics, brushes for applying paint, varnish or similar coatings, nail enamel brushes, brush pens, roller brushes, bristle brushes and hair brushes, tooth brushes, eyelash brushes, other toilet brushes, hair brushes, powder puffs and pads, and parts and accessories thereof Fiber/cloth-based abrasive tools, sharpening cloths/pads ✅ Fiber/Cloth Abrasive

🔍 Critical Reminder:
- "Whetstone" vs. "Sharpening Stick": If it’s a heavy, stone-based block, it’s 6804. If it’s a lightweight rod/stick with an abrasive surface, customs may classify it as a hand tool accessory (8205) or miscellaneous brush/abrasive (9603) depending on the specific material and form. - Material Matters: Natural stone = 6804.2x; Artificial abrasive on support = 6804.3x. Cloth/Fiber based = 9603.


💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Surcharges)

Applicable Country: USA (US)
Origin: China (CN)
Effective Date: From Nov 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 6804.30.00.00 —— Millstones/Grindstones (Artificial/Agglomerated Abrasives)

Item Content
Base Tariff 0% (ad valorem)
USITC Additional Tariff +25% (Section 301 Duties)
IEEPA Additional Tariff +10% (122 Clause: Targeted Chinese Products)
Total Rate 35.0%
Tax Calculation CIF Value × 35%
De Minimis Exemption Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis)
Legal Basis Path IEEPA:9903.01.25USITC:6804.30.00.00

📌 Explanation:
- This code captures most artificial whetstones and diamond sharpening pads.
- Total 35% is a high tariff. Must be factored into pricing strategies.


🎯 2. 6804.23.00.00 —— Millstones/Grindstones (Natural Stone Abrasive Carrier)

Item Content
Base Tariff 0%
USITC Additional Tariff +25%
IEEPA Additional Tariff +10%
Total Rate 35.0%
Tax Calculation CIF × 35%
De Minimis Exemption ❌ Not Eligible
Legal Basis Path IEEPA:9903.01.25USITC:6804.23.00.00

📌 Note:
- Applies to natural stone whetstones (e.g., Japanese Waterstones, Arkansas Stones) used as abrasive carriers.
- Same high tariff burden as artificial stones.


🎯 3. 9603.90.80.50 —— Other Brushes/Cleaning Pads (Fiber/Cloth Sharpening Consumables)

Item Content
Base Tariff 2.8%
USITC Additional Tariff +7.5%
IEEPA Additional Tariff +10%
Steel/Aluminum/Copper Products Surtax +50% (If applicable to structural components)
Total Rate 70.3%
Tax Calculation CIF × 70.3%
De Minimis Exemption ❌ Not Eligible
Legal Basis Path IEEPA:9903.01.25USITC:9603.90.80.50

📌 Warning:
- If your "sharpening stick" is made of cloth, fiber, or soft abrasive material (not hard stone), it falls here.
- Extremely High Tariff (70.3%)! Avoid this classification if possible unless the product is specifically a soft abrasive pad.


🎯 4. 8205.59.55.60 —— Hand Tools Auxiliary (Sharpening Sticks/Rods)

Item Content
Base Tariff 5.3%
USITC Additional Tariff +25%
IEEPA Additional Tariff +10%
Total Rate 40.3%
Tax Calculation CIF × 40.3%
De Minimis Exemption ❌ Not Eligible
Legal Basis Path IEEPA:9903.01.25USITC:8205.59.55.60

📌 Explanation:
- This code is often used for manual sharpening rods/sticks that are considered "hand tool accessories" or "auxiliary consumables."
- 40.3% is still high, but slightly lower than the 6804 category in some interpretations, though generally similar.


🎯 5. 9603.40.40.40 —— Brushes/Fiber Abrasives (Cloth/Pads)

Item Content
Base Tariff 4.0%
USITC Additional Tariff 0.0%
IEEPA Additional Tariff +10%
Total Rate 14.0%
Tax Calculation CIF × 14%
De Minimis Exemption ❌ Not Eligible (Note: Section 301 may not apply to this specific subheading, but verify IEEPA)
Legal Basis Path IEEPA:9903.01.25USITC:9603.40.40.40

📌 Strategic Opportunity:
- Lowest Tariff (14%)!
- This code applies if the product is classified as a brush, pad, or fiber-based abrasive tool rather than a "stone" or "hand tool."
- Key Strategy: If your product is a cloth-based sharpening pad or a brush-style sharpener, try to classify under 9603.40 to save massive taxes.


🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)

✅ 1. Document Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

Document Required Notes
Product Specification Sheet ✔️ Detail material (Natural Stone? Diamond? Cloth?), dimensions, usage.
Product Photos (Clear) ✔️ Show texture, handle, and abrasive surface clearly.
Commercial Invoice ✔️ Clearly state "Sharpening Stone" or "Sharpening Stick." Avoid vague terms like "Tool."
Packing List ✔️ Specify if sold as a set (e.g., Stone + Holder).
Material Composition Statement ✔️ Crucial for distinguishing between 6804 (Stone) and 9603 (Fiber).

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)

🔥 "Stone is 6804, Stick is 8205/9603, Cloth is 9603.40, Watch the 10% IEEPA!"

Scenario Correct Classification Wrong Action
Hard Whetstone Block 6804.30.00.00 or 6804.23.00.00 Misdeclare as "Tool" → Risk of seizure
Sharpening Rod/Stick 8205.59.55.60 or 9603.90.80.50 Misdeclare as "Stone" → Unnecessary complexity
Cloth/Pad Sharpener 9603.40.40.40 (Best for cost) Misdeclare as "Tool" → 40-70% tariff
Set (Stone + Holder) Declar as One Unit (Stone code) Split declaration → Each item taxed separately, higher total

✅ 3. Special Case Handling

Scenario Handling Advice
Diamond Sharpening Pads Often classified under 6804.30 as artificial abrasives. Check if they are mounted on a flexible backing (could be 9603).
Sharpening Stones with Wooden Handle If the stone is the essential character, still 6804. Do not split.
Portable Pocket Sharpeners (Knife-style) May fall under 8205.59 (Hand Tools). Ensure the description matches "Hand Tool."
Soft Abrasive Cloth Rolls Definitely 9603.40 or 6307.90 (if generic cloth). Avoid "Sharpening" if it can be classified as "Polishing Cloth."

🌍 V. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)

Country/Region Recommended HS Code Tariff Rate (China Origin) Certification Requirements Notes
🇺🇸 USA 6804.30.00.00 / 9603.40.40.40 14% - 35% (Plus 301/IEEPA) None usually, but clear labeling required High tariff risk! Use 9603.40 if possible.
🇨🇳 China 6804.30.00.00 5-8% CCC (if applicable) Standard duty.
🇪🇺 EU 6804.22.00 0% - 6% CE (if powered, but these are manual) Generally low tariff.
🇯🇵 Japan 6804.22.00 0% - 3% None Very favorable.
🇬🇧 UK 6804.22.00 0% - 5% None Post-Brexit tariff similar to EU.

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the hardest market for whetstones due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.
- European/Japanese markets are much friendlier.
- Strategic Advice: For US exports, consider product redesign to fit 9603.40 (brush/pad category) to reduce tax from 35% to 14%, or explore supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam/Thailand origin) to avoid IEEPA surcharges.


📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)

Mistake 1: Declaring a Stone Whetstone as a Tool to avoid Chapter 68
👉 Consequence: Customs reclassifies it as 6804 + penalties. Do not risk it.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the 122 Clause (IEEPA 10%)
👉 Consequence: Even if base tariff is 0%, you miss the 10% IEEPA surcharge → Underpayment & Audit.

Mistake 3: Using "Knife Sharpener" as the generic name
👉 Consequence: Ambiguity. Is it an electric device (8543)? A hand tool (8205)? A stone (6804)?
Correct Action: Be specific: "Manual Water Whetstone, 1000 Grit, Ceramic" or "Diamond Sharpening Rod, 6-inch."

Correct Declaration Example:

"Whetstone, Natural Stone, 8x3 inches, for Knife Sharpening, HS 6804.30.00.00"


🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Costs, Ensure Clearance!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Stone is 6804 (35%), Stick is 8205 (40%), Cloth is 9603.40 (14%)."
🔹 "IEEPA 10% is unavoidable for CN origin."
🔹 "If it’s a pad/brush, fight for 9603.40!"


📌 Pro Tip:
If your product can be classified as a cleaning pad or polishing brush (non-abrasive stone), 9603.40 offers the lowest tax burden (14%) for US imports.
For hard stones, prepare for 35-40%. Consider pre-ruling (Pre-classification) with CBP if the product is novel or borderline.


📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a professional customs broker + Provide detailed photos + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
🚀 Ensure your Whetstones clear US Customs smoothly, minimize tariffs, and maximize profit!


Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every cent of tariff saved is pure profit!

Customer Reviews

About HS Code Classification

The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.

Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:

  • Chapter (2 digits) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
  • Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
  • Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
  • National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes

Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.

When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:

  • Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
  • General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
  • Trade remedy duties — Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties

The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.