How HS codes are organized
The Harmonized System (HS) is a shared international structure for describing goods. The first 6 digits are harmonized. Many countries add national extensions (often 8–12+ digits) to apply local duty rates, measures, and statistical reporting.
| Level | Digits | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 2 | Broad family of goods |
| Heading | 4 | Narrower family inside a chapter |
| Subheading | 6 | Internationally harmonized detail level |
| National extension | 8–12+ | Local measures, duty rates, reporting detail |
Where ambiguity happens
- Multi-material goods: dominant material is not always obvious, especially with coatings or composites.
- Sets and kits: classification can depend on how items are packaged and whether they form a set.
- Parts vs complete articles: a “part” is not simply anything sold separately.
- Function vs description: two products can look similar but operate differently, leading to different headings.
How to use this site with HS structure
- Write a neutral product description (material + function + key technical characteristics).
- Capture deciding facts (composition, completeness, operating principle, specs).
- Compare plausible headings at a high level (chapter/heading), then route to an official database for rates.
This site does not provide official classifications. It is designed to help you prepare a fact set that makes official lookup faster and less error-prone.