Do I need to provide a Harmonised System (HS) code and where can I find the correct code?  (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to provide a Harmonised System (HS) code and where can I find the correct code? ? ›

Do I need to provide a Harmonised System (HS) code and where can I find the correct code? It's essential to use HS codes on your cargo to identify the commodities being transported. Shipping Instructions with an incomplete six-digit HS code will not be processed.

The 6-digit Harmonized System Subheading will be the same whether you are importing or exporting into any country of the World Customs Organization. This ensures that all countries uniformly classify their products. To find your product's HS code, you can utilize tools such as the Customs Info Database.

You'll often find HS codes on invoices and shipping documents around the world. HTS codes are like Schedule B numbers, but for importing goods into the United States instead. They're also made up of 10 digits, and they help the US government to track imports and apply the right tariffs to different products.

You can use the Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) database to find the appropriate HTS code. If you're still having trouble identifying the HTS code for your product, consult an expert.

The Importer of Record is responsible for the correct classification of the goods. However, to facilitate the release process, importers may provide the exporter with the HS code for their products and ask them to include it on their invoices.

Incorrectly classifying a product can lead to non-compliance penalties, border delays, seizure of the products, or even a denial of import privileges. As the exporter of the products, you are responsible for correctly classifying them, and therefore you are liable. Because classifying is complicated this can be a risk.

The 6 digits HS code classify all the products into chapters, heading and sub-heading. It consists of 21 chapters and each chapter further classified into heading and then into subheadings. The first 2 digits are for chapter, the middle 2 digits are for heading and last 2 digits are for sub-heading.

It is best practice to include both the Harmonized Code and a detailed description when shipping internationally. While it is not always required, using Harmonized Codes for your international shipments will: Help your packages move through customs more quickly. Help to ensure correct taxation on your exported products.

Their main difference is the country of destination and the number of digits used: HS Code (Harmonized System Code): This internationally accepted code for product classification consists of 6 to 10 digits and is used by customs authorities worldwide. HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule): Is specific to the US.

Is Schedule B the same as the Harmonised Tariff Schedule? Even though the Schedule B Codes are a subset of HTS Codes, they are different. As mentioned, Schedule B Codes are used for export categorisation and HTS Codes are used for import categorisation.

What is the difference between a commodity code and a HS code? ›

A commodity code (also called a tariff code) is a similar system used by EU and UK customs to describe goods being imported. Unlike HS codes, commodity codes contain 10 or more digits. Luckily, the first six digits are the item's HS code. Only the final four digits are different.

HS Code or Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System: is a code used by customs worldwide. It helps them categorize the products you're importing or exporting. This code has six or more digits, and is important for properly categorizing and identifying your items as they go through customs.

What is a HTS code? HTS (or HTSUS - Harmonized Tariff Schedule of US) codes are 10 digit codes used by the United States government to track the goods being imported into the country. Each code describes a particular type of product, allowing the government to charge different tariffs for different trade goods.

To identify your product's HS code, you can check your country's HS code classification website, which typically follows the same nomenclature as other countries. While the main chapters and sub-chapters are generally the same, the sub-chapters may differ.

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System generally referred to as "Harmonized System" or simply "HS" is a multipurpose international product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Assigning Harmonized Tariff Schedule Codes for Imports

The import responsibility is buried in the Tariff Act where it states the importer must exercise reasonable care when making entry. This includes assigning HTS codes to the goods.

Finding the Correct HS Code

Here are a few ways you can find it: Start with Official Customs Websites or U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Utilize the World Customs Organization (WCO) Consult a Freight Forwarder like Mercury or your country's customs authority when in doubt.

The first 2 digits of each HS code refer first to the appropriate chapter, the next two digits refer to the appropriate heading within that chapter, and the last two digits refer to the subheading. These 6 digits combined, make up the code which is applied to an individual product.

The HS code consists of 6-digits. The first two digits designate the Chapter wherein headings and subheadings appear. The second two digits designate the position of the heading in the Chapter. The last two digits designate the position of the subheading in the heading.