6804 - Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like, without frameworks, for grinding, sharpening, polishing, trueing or cutting, hand sharpening or polishing stones, and parts thereof, of natural stone, of agglomerated natural or artificial abrasives, or of ceramics, with or without parts of other materials:

Heading 6804 encompasses a broad range of abrasive and sharpening articles primarily made from natural stone, agglomerated natural or artificial abrasives, or ceramics. This classification includes essential tools for material processing, such as millstones and grindstones used for grinding or pulping, as well as grinding wheels utilized for cutting, sharpening, polishing, and trueing. The heading also specifically covers hand-held sharpening or polishing stones, recognizing their distinct application in manual finishing processes. Crucially, these items are classified under 6804 when presented without frameworks, a distinguishing characteristic from potentially similar, but assembled, articles.

Within the vast HTS system, heading 6804 is situated within Section XIII, which deals with articles of stone, plaster, cement, and similar materials, as well as ceramic products and glassware. This broad grouping highlights the material composition as a primary classification determinant. Unlike categories focusing on live animals (Chapter 01) or other raw material-based products at higher levels, 6804 focuses specifically on manufactured articles designed for abrasive or sharpening functions. The emphasis is on the functional purpose and the material from which the article is constructed, rather than its end-use industry in isolation.

The subcategories within 6804 further refine classification based on specific product types and their primary applications. Subheading 6804.10.00.00 isolates millstones and grindstones specifically intended for milling, grinding, or pulping operations, differentiating them from general-purpose grinding wheels. Meanwhile, 6804.30.00.00 is dedicated to hand sharpening or polishing stones, acknowledging their manual application and typically smaller size and form factor compared to power-driven grinding wheels. The remaining entries under 6804 broadly cover other types of millstones, grindstones, and grinding wheels that do not fall into the more specific subheadings, providing a catch-all for this category.