What is an HS code and how to find yours
What the Harmonized System is, how the 2-, 4- and 6-digit levels work, and how to find the right code for your product.
The Harmonized System in one paragraph
- Chapters, headings and subheadings: 2, 4 and 6 digits.
- Where the US HTS adds 10-digit lines.
Finding your code
- Using your own shipping bill or invoice first.
- Looking it up in the official tariff schedule (USITC's HTS search).
- Worked examples: a cotton dress (6204), ground red chilli (0904).
Why US manifest data carries no HS code
- The 22 data elements CBP releases under 19 CFR 103.31(e)(3), and why a code is not one of them.
- How Caius Data derives the heading from the goods description, and labels it as derived.