Short answer: An HS code is a number that classifies a traded product under the Harmonized System. The base code has six digits and is used by customs worldwide for tariffs and trade statistics.
Not legal, customs or tax advice. General information only; check duties, documents and contract terms with your customs broker or adviser.
What two sources say about HS code
| Source page | Publisher | What the page says |
|---|---|---|
| Harmonized System | Wikipedia | Describes the Harmonized System as an international system of names and numbers for classifying traded products, maintained by the World Customs Organization. Explains the six-digit base code and national extensions to eight or ten digits. |
| What is the Harmonized System (HS)? | World Customs Organization | Describes the HS as the international product nomenclature developed and maintained by the WCO, with over 5,000 commodity groups each given a six-digit code. Says over 200 countries use it for tariffs and trade statistics. |
Key points
- The World Customs Organization develops and maintains the Harmonized System. [1, 2]
- The base code has six digits: chapter, heading and subheading. [1, 2]
- Countries may add digits, with many setting duties at eight digits and some adding to ten. [1]
- Over 200 countries use it as the basis for customs tariffs and trade statistics. [2]
- It is also used for rules of origin, taxes, trade policy and controlled goods. [1, 2]
- The system is updated about every five to six years. [2]
HS code compared with National tariff code
| Aspect | HS code | National tariff code | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digits | Six-digit international base code. | Eight or ten digits where countries extend it. | [1] |
| Set by | The World Customs Organization. | Individual countries add their own subdivisions and notes. | [1, 2] |
| Use | Common basis for tariffs and trade statistics worldwide. | Many countries set duty rates at the national level. | [1, 2] |
Where sources differ
Both sources describe a six-digit international code; national extensions beyond six digits differ by country.
Questions to ask a supplier about HS code
- [ ] Which HS code do you use for this product?
- [ ] How many digits does it have, and which country's tariff is it for?
- [ ] Will it match the code on the commercial invoice?
- [ ] How did you decide the classification?
- [ ] What happens if customs reclassifies the goods?
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- Proforma invoice
- Shipping Documents for Home Decor Imported from India: Who Issues What
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Sources: [1] Wikipedia, fetched 2026-11-12; [2] World Customs Organization, fetched 2026-11-12. As of 2026-11-12. General information, not legal, customs or tax advice. Wording is paraphrased from the pages linked; your written quote and contract govern.