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.

HSおよびHTSコード

910211

Wrist-watches, electrically operated, with or without a stop-watch, (other than those of heading no. 9101) with mechanical display only

910212

Wrist-watches, electrically operated, with or without a stop-watch, (other than those of heading no. 9101) with opto-electronic display only

910219

Wrist-watches, electrically operated, with or without a stop-watch, (other than those of heading no. 9101) without mechanical or opto-electronic display

910221

Wrist-watches, whether or not incorporating a stop-watch facility, with automatic winding

910229

Wrist-watches, whether or not incorporating a stop-watch facility, with other than automatic winding

910291

Pocket watches and other watches, including stop-watches, (excluding wrist-watches), other than those of heading no. 9101, electrically operated

910299

Pocket watches and other watches, including stop-watches, (excluding wrist-watches), other than those of heading no. 9101, other than electrically operated

910310

Clocks, with watch movements, electrically operated, excluding clocks of heading no. 9104

910390

Clocks, with watch movements, other than electrically operated, excluding clocks of heading no. 9104

910400

Clocks, instrument panel clocks and clocks of a similar type for vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft or vessels

910511

Clocks, (excluding those with watch movements and instrument panel clocks), alarm clocks, electrically operated

910519

Clocks, (excluding those with watch movements and instrument panel clocks), alarm clocks, other than electrically operated

910521

Clocks, (excluding those with watch movements and instrument panel clocks), wall clocks, electrically operated

910529

Clocks, (excluding those with watch movements and instrument panel clocks), wall clocks, other than electrically operated

910591

Clocks, (excluding those with watch movements and instrument panel clocks), (other than alarm or wall clocks), electrically operated

910599

Clocks, (excluding those with watch movements and instrument panel clocks), other than alarm or wall clocks, other than electrically operated

910610

Time recording apparatus, time-registers, time recorders, with clock, watch movement or synchronous motor

910690

Time recording apparatus, with clock or watch movement or with synchronous motor, n.e.c. in heading no. 9106

910700

Time switches, with clock, watch movement or synchronous motor

910811

Watch movements, complete and assembled, electrically operated, with mechanical display only or with a device to which a mechanical display can be incorporated

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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.

HSおよびHTSコード

FAQs on Harmonized System (HS) Code

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