HS Code Finder
Describe your product. We'll suggest Harmonized System codes with confidence scores - plus how many verified suppliers match each code.
Use this tool when you need to classify a product for customs - sizing landed cost, preparing a pro-forma invoice, filling out an importer-of-record declaration, or confirming a broker's recommendation before filing.
Understanding HS code structure
The Harmonized System has a tree structure maintained by the World Customs Organization. Every traded product fits into one of 21 sections, which divide into 99 chapters, which divide into ~5,000 six-digit codes. The first 6 digits are identical worldwide. Countries then extend:
- United States (HTS): adds 4 digits for a 10-digit code (e.g., 6109.10.0012 for cotton men's knit t-shirts).
- EU (TARIC): adds 4 digits plus additional 2-4 for preferences.
- China (HS8): uses 8 digits for customs declarations plus a 10-digit extension for statistics.
Common classification mistakes
- Material vs function: A stainless steel kitchen blender goes under chapter 85 (electrical appliances), not chapter 73 (steel articles).
- Assembled vs parts: A complete product and its replacement parts often sit in different headings. Parts usually go under "parts thereof" subheadings.
- Bundled sets: A gift set with chapter-80 goods and chapter-33 goods should be classified under the heading that gives the set its "essential character".
How HS codes affect your landed cost
The code you declare determines tariff rate, preferential-trade eligibility, anti-dumping duty exposure, and whether the shipment needs additional permits. A misclassification that saves 1% on duty can trigger a 4x penalty plus back-duty on 5 years of imports. Use this tool as a starting point, then confirm with your licensed customs broker before filing.
Disclaimer
HS Code Finder is a classification aid, not a legal ruling. For binding rulings on actual shipments, file a CROSS request with US CBP, a BTI in the EU, or consult your licensed customs broker.
Frequently asked questions
+What is an HS code?
A Harmonized System code is a standardized 6-digit number used by customs worldwide to classify traded products. The first 6 digits are identical across 200+ countries; individual countries then extend them to 8 or 10 digits for their own tariff schedules. The correct HS code determines tariff rates, import restrictions, and documentation requirements.
+How does the HS Code Finder work?
Describe your product in plain English or Chinese. The tool suggests the most likely 6-digit HS codes with confidence scores and links to suppliers already trading under each code. It uses the WCO Harmonized System 2022 edition plus a classifier trained on ~50,000 historical import declarations.
+Is this a binding classification?
No. HS Code Finder is a classification aid for buyers. For binding rulings on actual shipments, request a CROSS binding ruling from US CBP, a BTI ruling from the EU, or consult a licensed customs broker.
+How precise are the 6-digit codes?
The first 6 digits are global (HS). Most importing countries extend them to 8 or 10 digits (HTS in the US, TARIC in the EU, HS10 in China). For your final declaration, use the country-specific extension; the 6-digit result is a starting point.
+Do tariff rates come with the code?
The tool returns likely HS codes only. Tariff rates depend on the importing country, the preferential-trade agreement (if any), and sometimes the trade program.
+What if my product has multiple plausible classifications?
The WCO publishes General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) that resolve ambiguity. A customs broker typically cites which GRI justifies their classification.
+Can I share my finding with my broker?
Yes. Copy the result URL and send it. Your broker will usually accept the 6-digit code as a starting point.