What is a Harmonized System (HS) code?

A Harmonized System (HS) code is a standardized numerical code used worldwide to classify goods in international trade. It is managed by the World Customs Organization and used by customs authorities in over 200 countries to identify products, calculate duties and taxes, and collect trade statistics.

Are HS Codes used both for import and export?

Yes, HS codes are used for both import and export. The same six-digit HS structure underpins the classification systems countries use when goods enter or leave a country. It appears on customs declarations, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin.

What really sets an HS code apart from an HTS code?

An HS code is a 6-digit global classification system used by over 200 countries. An HTS code is country-specific and adds extra digits to the base HS code to determine duty rates and trade statistics. The first six digits remain consistent worldwide, while additional digits vary by country.

Why are the first 6 digits of an HS Code so important?

The first six digits are standardized by the World Customs Organization and are the same worldwide. They form the universal product classification used in international trade. Additional digits determine country-specific duties, but the first six digits ensure global consistency.

What are the risks of using an incorrect HS code?

Using an incorrect HS code can result in customs delays, shipment inspections, fines, seizure of goods, or repayment of duties. It can also damage business reputation and create compliance or insurance complications.

How often are HS codes updated?

The World Customs Organization updates the HS nomenclature approximately every five years, most recently in 2022. However, individual countries may update their national tariff schedules more frequently.

Are tariff codes and HS codes the same thing?

No. An HS code is the global 6-digit classification system created by the World Customs Organization. A tariff code is a country-specific classification that builds on the HS code and includes additional digits to determine duties and taxes.

کدهای HS & HTS

1504

Fats and oils and their fractions of fish or marine mammals, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

1505

Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin)

1506

Animal fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, n.e.c. in chapter 15

1507

Soya-bean oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

1508

Ground nut oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

1509

Olive oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

1510

Oils and their fractions n.e.c. in chapter 15, obtained solely from olives, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, including blends of these oils or fractions with oils or fractions of heading no. 1509

1511

Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

1512

Sun-flower seed, safflower or cotton-seed oil and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

1513

Coconut (copra), palm kernel or babassu oil and their fractions, whether or not refined but not chemically modified

1514

Rape, colza or mustard oil and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

1515

Fixed vegetable fats and oils (including jojoba oil) and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

1516

Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their fractions, partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared

1517

Margarine, edible mixtures or preparations of animal or vegetable fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of this chapter, other than edible fats or oils of heading no. 1516

1518

Animal or vegetable fats, oils, fractions, modified in any way, excluding heading no. 1516, inedible versions of animal or vegetable fats, oils or fractions of this chapter, n.e.c. or included

1520

Glycerol, crude, glycerol waters and glycerol lyes

1521

Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), beeswax, other insect waxes and spermaceti, whether or not refined or coloured

1522

Degras, residues resulting from the treatment of fatty substances or animal or vegetable waxes

1601

Sausages and similar products of meat, meat offal or blood, food preparations based on these products

1602

Prepared or preserved meat, meat offal or blood

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FAQs on Harmonized System (HS) Code

A Harmonized System (HS) code is a standardized numerical code used worldwide to classify goods in international trade. It is managed by the World Customs Organization and is used by customs authorities in over 200 countries to identify products, calculate duties and taxes, and collect trade statistics.
Yes, HS codes are used for both import and export because they are the common language customs authorities rely on to classify goods in international trade. The same six‑digit HS structure underpins the classification systems that countries use when goods enter (imports) or leave (exports), and it appears on key documents like customs declarations, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin.
The HS code is a 6-digit classification used by over 200 countries to pin-down products. On the other hand, an HTS code is specific to your country - like the US - and throws in 2 to 4 extra digits onto the base HS code to figure out duty rates and trade stats. When you are shipping internationally, the first 6 digits are the same everywhere, but the rest of the code changes depending on where your goods are headed.
The first 6 digits are the standard set by the World Customs Organization (WCO). That means no matter where you are in the world, these 6 digits are just about the only thing you'll see the same everywhere. They amount to a sort of "customs language". Now the full 10-digit code is all about how much duty you pay in a particular country but the 6 digits make sure your cargo isn't caught for basic misclassification at the border.
If you get the code wrong your shipment is more likely to get "flagged" by customs. The upshot is either a delay while they re-check the cargo, or heavy fines for the person importing the goods, seizure of the goods, or needing to pay for the duty all over again after the fact. For a freight forwarder, getting the code wrong can damage your reputation and lead to all sorts of insurance headache.
The WCO usually only updates the HS nomenclature every five years to keep up with the HS/HSN Codes FAQ Content Sample latest and greatest. They last did it in 2022. However countries update their own HTS tariff schedules much more often. They can do it as often as once a year, or even half a year if there are new trade agreements or if a country decides to impose a "Section 301" style tariff.
Not exactly. An HS code is the global base classification (usually 6 digits) created by the World Customs Organization, and it is the same across all participating countries. A tariff code is usually the full national classification used by a specific country to set duties and taxes, and it typically starts with the HS code and then adds extra digits for local detail. So every tariff code is built on an HS code, but it is more specific to one country’s tariff schedule.

کدهای HS & HTS

FAQs on Harmonized System (HS) Code

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