HS Code Digit Guide
Type an HS or HTS code to see what each group of digits means, then use the official links below to confirm the exact code for your country.
Official tariff lookup by country
| United States (HTS) | hts.usitc.gov |
| European Union (TARIC) | ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp |
| United Kingdom | www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk |
| China | english.customs.gov.cn |
| India (ICEGATE) | www.icegate.gov.in/Tariff |
| Vietnam | www.customs.gov.vn |
| Korea (Republic of) | unipass.customs.go.kr/clip/index.do |
| Japan | www.customs.go.jp/english/tariff |
| Brazil | www.gov.br/receitafederal/pt-br |
| Canada | www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/menu-eng.html |
| Australia | www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/tariff-classification |
| South Africa | www.sars.gov.za/customs-and-excise/tariff |
The first 6 digits of an HS code are set by the World Customs Organization and are identical worldwide. Digits beyond that (7th and up) are added by each country for its own tariff and statistics, so always confirm the full code on the destination country's own tariff site.
What the Harmonized System is
The Harmonized System (HS) is a standard list of product codes maintained by the World Customs Organization and used by more than 200 countries. The first 6 digits are the same everywhere, grouped as a 2-digit chapter, a 4-digit heading and a 6-digit subheading. Countries then add their own digits (commonly to 8 or 10) for national tariff and statistical purposes.
Why the right code matters
The HS code decides the import duty rate, whether the goods qualify for a free-trade-agreement preference, and whether the product needs a licence, permit or is restricted at all. An incorrect code can lead to overpaid duty, denied preference, delayed clearance or a customs penalty.
How to find the right code
Start from the 6-digit HS subheading that best matches the product's function and material, then look up the destination country's own tariff schedule (links below) for the full national code. If the classification is unclear or the shipment is high-value or recurring, ask a licensed customs broker or apply for a binding tariff classification ruling from the importing country's customs authority.
Common questions
Are HS codes the same in every country?
The first 6 digits are the same worldwide. Digits beyond the 6th are set separately by each importing country, so the same product can have a longer code in the US than in the EU, for example — always check the importing country's own tariff schedule.
Who decides the HS code — the buyer or the seller?
Either can propose one, but the importer is usually responsible for declaring the correct code to their own country's customs, since they are the one paying duty and facing any penalty. Exporters commonly quote the 6-digit HS subheading and let the buyer confirm the national code.
What happens if the HS code on an invoice is wrong?
Customs can reclassify the shipment, charge additional duty, delay clearance for inspection, or in serious or repeated cases issue a penalty. It does not usually cause a shipment to be seized for a genuine, unintentional error, but it can be costly and slow.
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