Here we explain the differences in some of the common terminology used in customs classification and when to use each code.  

What is customs classification? 

Put simply, customs classification refers to the process of assigning a code to a product that is to be imported or exported. This code is used to determine the tariff rates that apply to the goods, as well as to facilitate trade by enabling customs authorities to identify and track shipments. There are a few variations of a code you may see, including HS codes, HTS codes, and Tariff/Commodity Codes. 

HS Codes 

The Harmonised System (HS) is an internationally standardised system of names and numbers for classifying traded products. It was developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and is used by more than 200 countries to assign HS codes. HS codes are six-digit codes that classify goods based on their nature, form, and composition. The first two digits of a HS code identify the chapter, the next two digits identify the heading, and the final two digits identify the subheading. Read more about HS codes.  

HTS Codes 

In the US, the Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) is maintained by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and is used to determine the tariff rates that apply to goods imported into the United States. The WCO provides the first six digits and the HTSUS provides the final four for additional detail. Each country maintains its own Harmonised Tariff Schedule (or similarly named).  

Tariff Codes/Commodity Codes 

Tariff codes or commodity codes are classification codes used to determine the customs duty that is applied to a particular product. These codes are ten digits long for imports, eight digits for export, and are used to identify specific products. The HS code makes up the first six digits whilst the final four digits are unique to each country’s tariff system, and they provide additional detail that is specific to that country’s classification systems. 

How to use the different codes 

While there are several types of codes that are used for customs classification, they all serve the same purpose of allowing customs authorities to identify and track shipments, as well as determining the tariff rates that apply to those goods.  

HS codes are the most widely used system for customs classification worldwide and provide the basis for the other codes under one global classification system. The HTS codes provide the final four digits within the US context and Tariff codes and Commodity codes are full classification codes used to determine the customs duty for specific products.  

This visual helps explain what makes up a code: 

As an importer or exporter, understanding the differences between these codes is crucial for navigating the complex world of international trade.  

Whether you’re a growing business, or a larger enterprise, implementing an intuitive system like TariffTel for customs classifications can significantly reduce the time required to classify products and facilitates communication between vendors and suppliers meaning you get up-to-date information on the products you’re classifying. It also means your business is informed of HS code updates automatically. 

If you want to find out more about HS codes or want to learn how your business could benefit from TariffTel, get in touch with our team.  

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The cost of using the wrong custom code for importers really does come with a high price as this example reveals! 

How to avoid assigning the wrong tariff code? 

Assigning a Harmonised system (HS) code or tariff code is not as simple as just checking a directory. Over 200 countries including the UK, United States and Canada base classification on the World Customs Organisation’s Harmonised System which is a standardised listing of commodities, with a corresponding six-digit code number for each. The Harmonised System was updated on 1st January 2022. The United States used the Harmonised System as the basis for its Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). HTS codes are ten-digits long with the first six-digits coming from the HS and the remaining four unique to the United States. Canada maintains its own ten-digit based system, known as Customs Tariff. 

It’s complex, and different county by country as you can see. Tariff codes can also be updated regularly so it pays to work with a customs classification solution like TariffTel that checks daily for updates from the WCO (World Customs Organisation) and implements them in a timely manner into the TariffTel system. 

Understanding the main properties and function of a product 

There are many circumstances in which a product can seem to fall under multiple categories and this is where use of the six General Interpretive Rules (GIR Rules) for classifying a product are useful.  

Rule three is to support classifying for mixture of products. What is the essential characteristic of the Product? Should I classify as 1 Product and use the last numerical Tariff code or should the Product be broken down into separate items. 

Take a Plastic-Coated Wash Bag and inside the bag is a Soap and a Sponge. 

Soap Bar – 340130 – duty 0% 

Sponge – 392490 – duty 6% 

Plastic Coated Wash Bag  420292 – duty 8% 

This Product should be broken down as you could use the Plastic-Coated Wash Bag again. 

As you can see the duty rates on all items are different and are an importance consideration for a retailer when importing thousands of these products. 

Determining a product’s main function plays another important role in assigning tariff codes. If you were to just use the Tariff Book in isolation it would be very easy to incorrectly classify a Sports Bra versus a Crop Top. 

What is the difference between these two products? 

To be classified as a sports bra under heading 6212, it has to have a clear definition of cups or separation of the breasts. The separation can be in the form of clear individual cups or merely stitching or gathering of material between the breasts. There is a clear difference in duty payments depending on which code is appropriately assigned. 

Sports Bra – 621210 – 6% duty 

Crop Top – 621142 – 12% duty 

Using TariffTel and working with our expert customs classification team, we take the time to access all the relevant data to ensure our database, which is product led, is accurate. 

Assuming all countries follow the same rules 

Assuming all countries are the same is a common pitfall we see in assigning HS codes. There are different Tariff books for different countries. 

For example, Flip Flops with uppers of leather or composition of leather have a varying duty whether you’d importing into the UK or US.

Import into UK – 640510 – duty 2% 

Import into US – 640510 – duty 10% 

What happens if you can not decide on the correct code? 

BTI stands for Binding Tariff Information. This is when companies are unsure of what Tariff Code to use and they ask for advice from a National Customs Authority. This authority provides the Tariff code and the relevant duty. All these are stored for other businesses to use.  

In the United States, they use Cross Rulings which work in a similar way. We have access to all this information and use on a regular basis to cross check our Tariff Codes. 

Find out more about our Tarifftel solution here to relieve the headache of customs classification 

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What does a HS code look like? 

A HS code structure is based on the chapter number, heading and subheading codes of the HS nomenclature.  

For example, HS Code 620520 would therefore comprise of the following: 

• 62 (Chapter) – Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted 
• 05 (Heading) – Men’s or Boy’s Shirts 
• 20 (Subheading) – Of Cotton 

All countries using the HS will publish their own tariffs using this universal code. HS Codes are required for export and are used by customs to classify the product being shipped. That way it can accurately calculate taxes and duties and apply any necessary restrictions. 

If you don’t include the HS code on the commercial invoice and other shipping documents, you risk the receiver paying the wrong tax and could possibly delay the shipment. 

How do I get a HS code for my product? 

You can find a HS code by using as online HS code search tool or the Tariff Book. But the accuracy of these tools relies on your understanding of how best to use these tools, and the product description you have. Without prior knowledge and the right level of detail, the code these tools provide are not necessarily correct.

How to provide a good description 

The key to successful classification is providing a clear description of the goods you are shipping. This means stating clearly what your goods are, what they are made of and what they are used for. A clear description will provide the correct duty and customs tariffs.  

Why use an online search tool like TariffTel for customs classification 

Unlike other tools, TariffTel is not simply a tool that searches an electronic version of the HS book, but a solution that allows you to focus on the characteristics of your item. Our unique approach to classification provides accurate results using our proprietary data that has been interpreted from the HS books and their explanatory notes – so you don’t have to.  

TariffTel allows you to: 

• Obtain the HS Code for export and the Tariff Commodity Code for import for the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Australia, and many more 
• Easily find your item using our intelligent search and by answering questions specific to customs requirements for your item 
• Receive an email of the classification for your records 
• Registered users can review their classification history online 

Try TariffTel to find HS Codes for 1 – 1,000+ SKUs

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