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.

รหัส HS & HTS

8409

Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the engines of heading no. 8407 or 8408

8410

Turbines, hydraulic water wheels and regulators therefor

8411

Turbo-jets, turbo-propellers and other gas turbines

8412

Engines and motors, n.e.c. (e.g. reaction engines, hydraulic power engines, pneumatic power engines)

8413

Pumps, for liquids, whether or not fitted with measuring device, liquid elevators

8414

Air or vacuum pumps, air or other gas compressors and fans, ventilating or recycling hoods incorporating a fan whether or not fitted with filters

8415

Air conditioning machines, comprising a motor driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, including those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated

8416

Furnace burners for liquid fuel, for pulverised solid fuel or for gas, mechanical grates, mechanical ash dischargers and similar appliances

8417

Furnaces and ovens, industrial or laboratory, including incinerators, non-electric

8418

Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric or other, heat pumps other than air conditioning machines of heading no. 8415

8419

Machinery, plant (not domestic), or laboratory equipment, electrically heated or not, (excluding items in 85.14) for the treatment of materials by a process involving change of temperature, including instantaneous or non electric storage water heaters

8420

Machines, calendering or other rolling machines, for other than metal or glass and cylinders therefor

8421

Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases

8422

Dish washing machines, machinery for cleaning, drying, filling, closing, sealing, capsuling or labelling bottles, cans, boxes, bags, etc, machinery for aerating beverages

8423

Weighing machines, excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, including weight operated counting or checking machines and weights of all kinds

8424

Mechanical appliances for projecting, dispersing or spraying liquids or powders, fire extinguishers, spray guns, steam, sand blasting machines

8425

Pulley tackle and hoists other than skip hoists, winches and capstans, jacks

8426

Derricks, cranes, including cable cranes, mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane

8427

Fork-lift and other works trucks, fitted with lifting or handling equipment

8428

Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery, n.e.c. in heading no. 8425, 8426 or 8427 (e.g. lifts, escalators, conveyors, teleferics)

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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.

รหัส HS & HTS

FAQs on Harmonized System (HS) Code

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