HS code
The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization. It organizes goods into chapters, headings, and 6-digit subheadings used by customs authorities around the world.
Practical guide
How HS and HTS codes work
HS codes are a shared global language for classifying traded goods. The first 6 digits are internationally harmonized; countries add more digits for duties, statistical categories, and local rules.
HTS code
In the United States, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule expands HS codes into 8- and 10-digit tariff lines. U.S. duty columns and special programs depend on the full HTS context.
Schedule B
U.S. exporters often use Schedule B numbers. A Schedule B number and an HTS number may differ after the first 6 digits, even when they describe related goods.
What changes the classification?
- Material composition, such as cotton, plastic, steel, leather, or mixed materials.
- Principal use, such as household, industrial, medical, automotive, or apparel use.
- Condition at import, such as finished goods, parts, sets, kits, or incomplete articles.
- Legal notes, chapter notes, explanatory notes, and customs rulings.
Safe workflow
- Search several product descriptions and likely codes.
- Compare nearby headings and subheadings.
- Read official tariff notes and any footnotes in the result.
- Search prior customs rulings for products with similar facts.
- Ask a broker or customs authority when the shipment has meaningful duty or compliance exposure.
FAQ
Can a lookup guarantee the right code?
No. Classification depends on product facts, legal notes, tariff text, and rulings.
Why do some rows say "Other"?
Tariff schedules are hierarchical. Some rows inherit meaning from parent headings and subheadings.
Is HS Finder global?
The HS-6 layer is global, but this MVP primarily searches U.S. HTS data from USITC.