What Are HS Codes? Harmonized System (HS) codes are standardized numerical codes that classify traded products internationally. Every product shipped across borders requires an HS code for customs clearance.
HS Code Structure
8471.30.010084 = Chapter (Machinery)
8471 = Heading (Automatic data processing machines)
8471.30 = Subheading (Portable, weighing < 10kg)
8471.30.01 = National tariff line (US-specific)
8471.30.0100 = Statistical suffix (detailed classification)
Hierarchy Breakdown
Level Digits Description Chapter 2 Broad category Heading 4 Product group Subheading 6 Specific product type National 8-10 Country-specific detail
Universal vs National
Digits Standardization First 6 Same worldwide 7-10+ Varies by country
Finding the Correct HS Code
Step-by-Step Process
Identify product category (Chapter 1-99)Narrow to heading (More specific)Select subheading (6-digit international)Add national detail (For specific country)
Common E-commerce Product Codes
Product HS Code Chapter T-shirts (cotton) 6109.10 61 - Knitted apparel Phone cases 3926.90 39 - Plastics Headphones 8518.30 85 - Electrical equipment Cosmetics 3304.99 33 - Cosmetics Jewelry (costume) 7117.90 71 - Jewelry Shoes (leather) 6403.99 64 - Footwear Books 4901.99 49 - Printed matter Toys 9503.00 95 - Toys Furniture 9403.xx 94 - Furniture Electronics 8471.xx 84/85 - Machinery
Classification Resources
Resource Use Case URL USITC HTS US tariff schedule hts.usitc.gov WCO Database International codes wcoomd.org Customs rulings Precedent lookup rulings.cbp.gov
Duty Rate Implications
Example Duty Rates (US Import)
Product HS Code Duty Rate T-shirts 6109.10 16.5% Leather shoes 6403.99 8.5-20% Plastic toys 9503.00 0% Cotton fabric 5208.xx 6.5-14.9% Electronic components 8542.31 0% Furniture (wood) 9403.60 0% Jewelry (gold) 7113.19 6.5%
Factors Affecting Duty
Factor Impact Material composition Different rates per material Country of origin Trade agreements End use Industrial vs consumer Processing level Raw vs finished
Trade Agreements Impact
USMCA (US-Mexico-Canada)
Qualification Benefit Origin: US, MX, CA 0% duty for qualifying goods Certificate required Formal documentation Rules of origin Product-specific requirements
Other Key Agreements
Agreement Countries General Benefit GSP 119 developing countries Reduced/zero duty US-Australia FTA Australia Zero/reduced duty US-Korea FTA South Korea Significant reductions US-Israel FTA Israel Most goods duty-free
Documentation Requirements
Commercial Invoice Requirements
Element Required HS code Yes Country of origin Yes Detailed description Yes Quantity Yes Unit value Yes Total value Yes Currency Yes
Certificate of Origin
When Needed Purpose FTA claim Duty preference Import quota Origin verification Buyer requirement Compliance
Common Classification Mistakes
Mistake 1: Wrong Chapter
Product Wrong Code Correct Code Issue Phone case (leather) 3926.90 (plastic) 4205.00 (leather) Material matters Sports bra 6212.10 (bra) 6114.30 (activewear) Function matters
Mistake 2: Insufficient Detail
Description Issue Better Description "Shirt" Too vague "Men's cotton knit t-shirt" "Electronics" Way too vague "Wireless earbuds, Bluetooth" "Jewelry" Material unclear "Gold-plated brass earrings"
Mistake 3: Ignoring Sets/Kits
Product Classification Rule Gift set (mixed items) Essential character determines code Tool kit Usually the container or main item Bundled products May need itemization
E-commerce Specific Considerations
Low-Value Shipment Thresholds
Country De Minimis (Duty) De Minimis (Tax) USA $800 $800 Canada $20 CAD $20 CAD UK £135 £0 EU €150 €0 (VAT applies) Australia $1,000 AUD $0 (GST applies)
Marketplace Seller Requirements
Platform HS Code Requirement Amazon Required for international eBay Recommended for GSP Etsy Required for customs Shopify Manual entry
Automated Classification
Tool Features Cost Tarifftel AI-assisted lookup $$ Avalara Integration-focused $$$ Zonos E-commerce specific $$ Atoship Built-in lookup Included
Manual Research
Method Best For USITC search Known product category Customs rulings Complex products Broker consultation High-value/risk
Getting Professional Help
When to Consult an Expert
Scenario Recommendation High value shipments Customs broker Complex products Classification expert High volume international Licensed broker Trade agreement claims Legal review
Binding Rulings
Country Service Benefit USA CBP Ruling Legal certainty EU BTI Binding classification UK BTIC Post-Brexit clarity
HS Code Checklist
For Each Product
[ ] Identify correct 6-digit HS code
[ ] Add country-specific digits if needed
[ ] Verify duty rate implications
[ ] Check for trade agreement eligibility
[ ] Document classification reasoning
[ ] Update if product changes
For International Expansion
[ ] Classify entire product catalog
[ ] Research destination country duties
[ ] Evaluate trade agreements
[ ] Calculate landed cost
[ ] Update product pricing
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