What Is an HS Code?
An HS code, short for Harmonised System code, is a standardised numerical code used by customs authorities in over 200 countries to classify traded goods. The system is maintained by the World Customs Organization and is the universal language of international trade. Every product that crosses a border must have an HS code assigned to it.
The HS code determines the rate of customs duty applied to your goods, whether any import licences or permits are required, whether trade restrictions or sanctions apply, and whether preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements are available. Getting the HS code wrong can result in incorrect duty payments, customs delays, penalties, and even seizure of goods.
How the HS Code Structure Works
| Digits | Name | Example | Description |
|---|
| First 2 | Chapter | 84 | Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances |
| First 4 | Heading | 8471 | Automatic data processing machines (computers) |
| First 6 | Subheading | 847130 | Portable digital automatic data processing machines, weight not exceeding 10kg |
| 7+ digits | National | 8471300000 | Country-specific additional digits for tariff and statistical purposes |
How to Use This HS Code Finder
Type your product name in plain English. The finder understands synonyms, so searching "earbuds" finds the same result as "headphones", and "hoodie" finds "sweatshirt". Typos are forgiven: "alumnium" still finds aluminium. Each result shows the 6-digit international HS code, plus the 8 or 10-digit national code for your selected country.
Use the category filter buttons to narrow results. Use the chapter browse below the search box to explore all 99 HS chapters. Switch the national code format in the dropdown to see 8 or 10-digit codes for the UK, US, EU, Australia, India, China, Canada or the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are HS codes the same in every country?
The first 6 digits of the HS code are standardised internationally under the World Customs Organization system and are the same in every country. Beyond 6 digits, countries add their own national digits for tariff and statistical purposes. The UK uses 10-digit commodity codes, the US uses 10-digit HTS codes, and the EU uses 10-digit CN codes. The 6-digit international subheading is always the common foundation.
What is an Importer of Record and how does it relate to HS codes?
An
Importer of Record (IOR) is the legal entity responsible for declaring goods to customs and ensuring the correct HS code is used on the import declaration. Using the wrong HS code on a customs declaration is a compliance failure that the IOR is liable for. When Carra Globe acts as your Importer of Record, our team verifies the correct HS code classification for your goods before filing the customs declaration.
How accurate are the HS codes in this finder?
The codes in this tool are based on the WCO HS 2022 nomenclature and are accurate for general classification guidance. The full nomenclature is published by the
World Customs Organization. The 8 and 10-digit national codes shown are approximations based on the 6-digit root with zero suffixes, which is a common default but not always the exact national code. For high-value or regulated goods, verify with your customs broker or apply for a binding tariff ruling.
What happens if I use the wrong HS code?
Using an incorrect HS code can result in underpayment or overpayment of customs duty, import delays while customs investigate the classification, penalties and fines from the customs authority, and in serious cases seizure of the goods. Some HS codes also trigger licence requirements or trade restrictions, so an incorrect code could mean goods are cleared when they should not be, creating compliance liability for the importer.
How do I get a binding HS code ruling?
In the UK, you can apply for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from HMRC which gives you a legally binding HS code valid for 3 years. In the EU, BTI rulings are applied for through the national customs authority. In the US, you can request a binding ruling from US Customs and Border Protection. These rulings provide legal certainty and protect you from reclassification risk during audits.
Can the HS code affect whether I pay import duty?
Yes, directly. Different HS codes attract different duty rates. Some codes are duty-free under Most Favoured Nation rules or under Free Trade Agreements, while others attract rates of 10%, 20% or more. The HS code also determines whether anti-dumping duties, safeguard measures or other special measures apply.
Related Tools and Services
Once you have found your HS code, use our other free tools and services to complete your import planning.
