What does HS code mean?

An HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is a universal numbering system for classifying traded products, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to standardize goods identification for customs, taxation, and trade statistics worldwide. The first six digits are globally consistent, but countries add more digits for specific national tariffs or rules, crucial for customs clearance, duties, and preventing delays.

How do I find my HS code?

To find an HS tariff code, use your country's official government trade websites (like the USITC HTS Lookup or Census Bureau Schedule B Search) or online search tools, entering a detailed product description, material, and use to navigate chapters and headings, or ask your supplier, as codes determine duties and restrictions. The first six digits are global, but your country adds more digits for specific tariffs. 

What does HS code stand for?

HS Code stands for Harmonized System Code. It is an international index used for categorizing goods, enabling consistent classification and taxation. The HS Code consists of 21 sections and numerous subsections that allow shippers to describe their goods in great detail using only numbers.

What is an example of a HS code?

For example, women's wool trousers have an HS6 code of 610461, but men's cotton trousers have an HS6 code of 620342. The Harmonised System is a global one, and the first 6 digits of a code are usually the same worldwide. But countries can then add up to 4 digits for their own classification purposes.

Who should provide a HS code?

The Importer of Record is responsible for the correct classification of the goods. However, to facilitate the release process, importers may provide the exporter with the HS code for their products and ask them to include it on their invoices.

Understand Your Product's Harmonized System (HS) Code

Is the HS code mandatory?

Ensuring Compliance

Using the correct HS Code is legally mandated under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 in India. Incorrect classification can lead to penalties, customs delays, or reclassification of goods.

What is HS code 55101110?

HS Code 55101110 | Harmonized System Code Viscose rayon spun yarn.

Where do I get HS codes from?

You'll often find HS codes on invoices and shipping documents around the world. HTS codes are like Schedule B numbers, but for importing goods into the United States instead.

What happens if I use the wrong HS code?

First: It could expose your company to regulatory violations. Even if the product successfully enters the country once or twice with only the List B code, continued use of an incorrect code could result in a fine or a ban on exporting to that country in the future.

What is HS code 3304.99 5000?

SKIN CARE PREPARATIONS - SUBHEADING 3304.99.5000, HTSUS

Skin care preparations for the care of the face and body, including preparations containing subsidiary pharmaceutical constituents, are classifiable in subheading 3304.99.

What is HS code 6203329000?

MEN'S OR BOYS' SUITS, ENSEMBLES, JACKETS, BLAZERS, TROUSERS, BIB AND BRACE OVERALLS, BREECHES AND SHORTS (OTHER THAN...

Who issues HS codes?

The HS is administrated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and is updated every five years. It serves as the foundation for the import and export classification systems used in the United States and by many trading partners. The HS assigns specific six-digit codes for varying classifications and commodities.

How to check HS code?

How to verify your HS Code is correct?

1. Step 1: Logon to the JKDM HS Code Explorer website.
2. Step 2: Keep the default tariff type as PDK 2022 – Perintah Duti Kastam 2022.
3. Step 3: Search criteria as HS Code.
4. Step 4: Enter the HS code number in the keyword field.

Are HS codes required for shipping?

Beginning September 1, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service will require all international commercial shipments to include a six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code on customs declarations.

How do I know how much customs duty will I pay?

The customs duty you pay depends on the item's Harmonized System (HS) code, its value (price + shipping/insurance), country of origin, and the importing country's laws, often calculated as a percentage (ad valorem) or per unit, plus other potential fees like Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF) and VAT/GST, so you'll need to find the specific HS code for your product and use online calculators or consult customs brokers for an accurate estimate. 

What is HS code 62033200?

HS Code 62033200 specifically identifies jackets and blazers for men or boys, made of cotton, under the Harmonized System for classifying traded goods, falling within Chapter 62 for apparel not knitted or crocheted, and part of Heading 6203 for various men's/boys' garments like suits, ensembles, trousers, etc. It's used globally for customs, duties, and trade tracking of cotton jackets and blazers. 

Who needs an HS code?

You'll need an HS code for international import and export shipping tasks such as: Completing shipping documents such as a shipper's letter of instructions, a commercial invoice, or a certificate of origin. Determining duty rates.

What are HS code examples?

HS codes are six digits long based on the chapter, heading, and subheading under which the imported good is found. Here's an example using HS code 0902.10: 09 – Chapter (e.g. Coffee, tea, maté, and spices) 0902 – Heading (e.g. Tea, whether or not flavoured)

What are the 4 types of tariffs?

The four main types of tariffs, categorized by how they're calculated, are Ad Valorem (percentage of value, like 10% on cars), Specific (fixed fee per unit, like $2 per kg), Compound (a mix of ad valorem and specific), and Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQs), which impose different rates on different import quantities (low rate up to a limit, high rate after).
 

Can I look up HS codes for free?

Yes, you can look up HS codes for free using various online tools from government agencies (like the U.S. Census Bureau for Schedule B) and private shipping/logistics companies (like Freightos, Easyship), which offer free search engines where you enter product descriptions to find codes for customs and duty assessment, ensuring smooth international shipping. 

What is HS code 8471500090?

AUTOMATIC DATA-PROCESSING MACHINES AND UNITS THEREOF; MAGNETIC OR OPTICAL READERS, MACHINES FOR TRANSCRIBING DATA...

What is the HS code 4901100000?

4901100000-China HS code,4901100000: Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter in single sheets, whether or not folded.

What is code 49011020?

HS Codes 49011020 : HS Classification of Pamphlets, booklets, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter.

Does everything have an HS code?

Whether you're shipping one or a thousand products across borders, every product has to be assigned a specific tariff code, also known as a Harmonised System (HS) code. The Harmonised System (HS) is an internationally standardised system of names and numbers for classifying traded products.

What is HS code 6006.32 0000?

0000 - Other Knitted Or Crocheted Fabrics Of Dyed Synthetic Fibers.