HTS Code Lookup Guide

Every product imported into the United States must be classified with an HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code. This 10-digit number determines your duty rate, whether trade remedies apply (like AD/CVD or Section 301/232 tariffs), and which government agencies have jurisdiction over your product.

How HTS Codes Work

The HTS is organized into 99 chapters based on the nature of the goods. The first 6 digits are internationally harmonized (the HS code), and the remaining digits are US-specific:

• Digits 1–2: Chapter (e.g., Chapter 02 = Meat)
• Digits 3–4: Heading (e.g., 0207 = Poultry)
• Digits 5–6: Subheading (internationally harmonized)
• Digits 7–10: US-specific statistical suffixes that determine the exact duty rate

Where to Look Up HTS Codes

The official source is the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule at hts.usitc.gov. You can search by keyword or browse by chapter. Note that the HTS is updated regularly—duty rates and classifications can change with trade actions, so always verify against the current version.

Why Classification Matters

Misclassification is one of the most common and costly import errors. Classifying a product under the wrong HTS code can mean:

• Overpaying duties (or underpaying, triggering penalties)
• Missing AD/CVD requirements and facing retroactive deposits
• Failing to file required PGA data (FDA, USDA, EPA)
• CBP penalties of up to 4x the unpaid duties for negligence

When to Get Professional Help

Simple products (a cotton t-shirt, a steel bolt) may be straightforward to classify. But most real-world products involve judgment calls—is this engineered flooring or builder's joinery? Is this food product a sauce or a condiment? A licensed customs broker classifies products professionally and can request binding rulings from CBP when needed.