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

HS code 680520 covers abrasive powder or grain, both natural and artificial, that is applied to a base of paper or paperboard. This industry plays a crucial role in the manufacturing and construction sectors, providing essential materials for finishing, polishing, and surface preparation applications. The global abrasives market is a significant contributor to the broader economy, with widespread use across diverse industries.

The production of abrasive paper or paperboard typically involves applying abrasive grains or powders to a paper or paperboard substrate. This can be done through various methods, such as coating, spraying, or bonding the abrasive materials to the surface. The abrasive grains may be natural materials like sand, emery, or garnet, or synthetic abrasives like silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. The choice of abrasive and the specific production techniques used depend on the desired characteristics and end-use applications of the final product.

The main inputs required for the production of HS code 680520 products include the abrasive materials, paper or paperboard substrates, and adhesives or binders to secure the abrasives to the surface. Specialized machinery, such as coating or laminating equipment, is also necessary to apply the abrasives and create the finished product. Additionally, energy sources, such as electricity or natural gas, are required to power the production processes.

The primary output of HS code 680520 is abrasive paper or paperboard, which is used in a variety of applications, including sanding, polishing, and finishing processes. These products may be consumed by industries such as 940320 Furniture manufacturing, 870899 Motor vehicle parts and accessories, and 682510 Abrasive products, among others. The abrasive materials produced under this code can also be further processed and incorporated into other 680510 Abrasive cloth, paper, and paperboard, 680530 Abrasive on a base of woven textile fabric only, or 680540 Abrasive on a base of other materials products.