HS (Harmonized System) code is an internationally standardized product classification system developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), adopted by over 200 countries. It consists of 6 digits globally, with countries extending to 10 digits (e.g., US HTS 10-digit, UK Commodity Code 10-digit, China HS 10-digit).

How accurate is AI HS code classification?

HSBot is built on official customs policy and real customs data. For common products, classification accuracy exceeds 95%. AI results are for reference only—actual declarations should be verified with customs authorities. Combining product details (material, usage, composition) improves accuracy.

What countries does HSBot support?

HSBot currently supports US HTS codes and UK tariff codes (import classification) and China HS codes (export classification), covering the most common China-US and China-UK trade scenarios. More countries including EU, Japan, Vietnam, and Mexico are coming soon.

How many free queries do I get per day?

Free users can make 20 classification queries per day. The quota resets at 00:00 Beijing time daily. Contact us for enterprise plans with higher limits and API access.

What is Section 232 tariff?

Section 232 tariff is an additional US import duty on steel, aluminum, and copper products based on national security grounds. HSBot automatically calculates applicable Section 232 rates based on HS code prefixes and exporting country.

What is Section 301 tariff?

Section 301 tariff is an additional US import duty on certain products from China, in response to trade practices. HSBot automatically identifies applicable Section 301 rates and checks for tariff exclusions.

US HTS Code Lookup: How to Find the Right Code for Your Product (2026)

If you import into the United States, the single most consequential number on your paperwork is the HTS code — the 10-digit number from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. Get it wrong and you either overpay duty, underpay and face penalties, or trigger a customs hold. This guide shows how to look it up correctly and what to do once you have it.

✅ [Verified – USITC]: The HTS is maintained by the U.S. International Trade Commission and is the official source for U.S. tariff rates.

What is an HTS code?

An HTS code has 10 digits:

Digits 1–6: The international HS (Harmonized System) subheading, identical in every country.
Digits 7–8: U.S. statistical suffix, used for trade data.
Digits 9–10: U.S. tariff breakout — this is where the actual U.S. duty rate is attached.

So a product's first 6 digits are global; the last 4 are what make it "American" and determine how much you pay.

Why the HTS code matters

Your HTS code determines:

The base MFN duty rate
Whether Section 301, Section 232, or other additional tariffs apply
MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee, 0.3464%) and HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee, 0.125%, maritime only)
FDA, USDA, CPSC and other agency requirements (PGA)
Whether trade-agreement preferences (e.g., USMCA) can lower or zero the rate

⚠️ [Inferred]: Many importers only check the base rate and miss the stacked additional tariffs — the real cost is almost always higher than the headline number.

How to look up an HTS code

Method 1: USITC official search

Go to the HTS search tool (hts.usitc.gov).
Type a product keyword (e.g., "wooden chair", "bluetooth earphone").
Read the description and the "General" duty rate column.
Drill into the 8- and 10-digit breakouts to find the exact match for your product's material and use.

Method 2: By material and function

Classification follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI): - What is it made of? (wood, metal, plastic, textile) - What is its function? (sitting, communication, lighting) - How is it used? (household, industrial, parts)

A bluetooth earphone with a power bank still classifies under 8517 (communication equipment) by its principal function — not under 8506 (batteries).

Common HTS lookup mistakes

Mistake	Consequence
Using a Chinese HS code directly	Last 4 digits differ; U.S. rate may be wrong
Stopping at 6 digits	Misses the U.S. tariff breakout
Trusting a marketplace category	Not legally valid for customs
Ignoring "principal function" rule	Composite products get misclassified

One code → the full customs data chain

A single HTS code is the key that unlocks far more than a duty percentage. Tools like HSBot (zeewo.tech) take one code and return the full chain: base duty, all stacked tariffs (301/232/new 301), MPF/HMF, PGA agency requirements, declaration elements, export rebate, and trade-agreement preferences — so you see the whole picture, not just one number.

✅ [Verified – HSBot]: Free tier available, no registration required, supports U.S./U.K./China.

FAQ

Q: Is the HTS code the same as the HS code? A: HS is the 6-digit international standard; HTS is the U.S. 10-digit version built on top of it.

Q: Can I use my supplier's code? A: Only as a starting point — you are responsible for the correct U.S. classification on your entry.

Q: What if my product is a composite? A: Classify by principal function per GRI Rule 3. When in doubt, request a binding ruling from CBP.