Finding the right Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code is crucial for ensuring your shipments with items with Countries of Origin of China, Hong Kong and Macau, to enter the United States and clear customs legally. This guide breaks down the process into simple, actionable steps based on the methods discussed.
First, Understand the Terms:
HS Code (Harmonized System): An internationally recognized 6-digit code for classifying products.
HTS Code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule): A 10-digit code explicitly used by the United States for importing goods. It starts with the 6-digit HS code and adds four more digits to provide greater detail and determine duty rates. If you are shipping to the US, you need the HTS code.
If you aren't sure how to find your HTS code, you're not alone. That's why we created this handy guide to help you find yours.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. The ultimate responsibility for providing the correct and accurate HTS code lies with you, the shipper. Always perform your own due diligence.
Five-Step Guide to Find Your HTS Code
This process is designed to start broad and narrow down to the most accurate code possible.
Step 1: Start with a "Plain Language" Search
Finding the correct HTS code can be challenging, especially since the official U.S. tariff database uses technical terminology. Instead of starting with the U.S. HTS database, begin by searching for your product using plain, everyday language.
We recommend using the Chit Chats HTS Code Lookup Tool, available to all clients with a free Chit Chats account. You can access the tool from the left-hand navigation menu in your account.
For the best results, use a detailed product description rather than a generic product name. The more specific your search, the more accurate the suggested HTS codes are likely to be.
Example: Instead of searching for sweater, try men's sweater, 50% wool, 50% polyester.
Note: Accounts without postage credits are limited to five HTS code searches. While the tool itself does not consume credits, having postage credits loaded onto your account is required to unlock additional searches.
Step 2: Review Potential HTS Codes
Your search will typically return multiple possible matches, ranked by relevance:
Excellent Match
Good Match
Poor Match
Each result includes a description to help you better understand the product classification and determine whether it applies to your item.
You'll also find a direct link to the official U.S. HTS database, allowing you to review the classification in greater detail. Once you've identified the code that appears to be the best fit for your product, continue to Step 3 to verify that the classification is correct.
Remember, it's important to understand the difference between HS and HTS codes when classifying products for international shipping.
HS (Harmonized System) codes are the globally standardized six-digit codes used by customs authorities around the world to classify traded goods.
HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes build upon the HS system by adding additional digits that account for U.S.-specific tariff rates, regulations, and import requirements.
As a result, products entering the United States are typically classified using a 10-digit HTS code rather than the standard six-digit HS code.
Step 3: Use the Official HTS Search Tool for Verification
Now, take the potential codes you found and use the official tool from the United States International Trade Commission to verify them.
Action: Go to the Official HTS Search Website.
In the search bar, enter the first 4-6 digits of the most promising code you found in Step 2 (e.g., enter 7113).
This will show you the broad "Chapter" or "Heading" for that code. For 7113. It will also show you a column with “Article Description.” This confirms whether you are in the right category or not.
Step 4: Drill Down to find the complete 10-Digit HTS Code
This is the most important step. You need to navigate the subheadings to find the code that most accurately describes your specific product.
Action: Within the ‘chapter’ you found, look for the ‘subheadings’ that match your product's details. Consider the following:
Material: Is it made of cotton or wool? Sterling silver or a base metal?
Type: Is it a T-shirt or a scarf? A necklace or a bracelet?
Distinctions: Is it for men or women? Printed or not printed?
Follow the hierarchy down until you arrive at the full 10-digit code that best fits your product.
Step 5: Confirm Your HTS Code with CBP Rulings (The Gold Standard)
This final step gives you the highest confidence in your selected code. The system allows you to see official Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rulings for items classified under a specific HTS code.
Action: On the HTS Search results page, search for your 10-digit HTS code. In the "Rates of Duty" section, look for a column labeled "Stat Suffix."
The numbers in this column are often clickable links to view rulings and instances in which the HTS code was used in the past. Click the link for your chosen HTS code.
This will take you to the CBP CROSS (Customs Rulings Online Search System). Here, you will see a list of other products that have been officially classified under that code.
Read through the descriptions. If you see products that are very similar to yours (e.g., "Seahorse Pendant," "Pearl Necklace"), you can be confident you have found the correct code.
Tips and Best Practices
Country of Origin, always. HTS code, sometimes: HTS code is mandatory for all shipments bound for the U.S. with a Country of Origin of China, Hong Kong or Macau. For other originating countries, only the Country of Origin is currently required. That said, having the HTS code is a best practice for future-proofing your shipments.
"Handmade __" does not have its own HTS code: There is no single HTS code for handmade items. You must find the HTS code for the final product itself (e.g., a knitted scarf, a gemstone bracelet, a flower bouquet).
Calculating Duties: The HTS search tool shows the % of duty charged under the "Rates of Duty 1 - General" column. This is the rate applied to your item's declared value. Note that additional tariffs (like those for products from China) are found by hovering over the footnote numbers in this column and may need to be added.
Use the Right Tools:
US HTS Search: The official source for US imports.
Canadian Tariff Finder: A user-friendly tool that can be a great starting point, especially for finding the initial 6-digit HS code.
Chit Chats’ HTS search tool: Another user-friendly tool to help you verify your HTS code.