What Is an HTS Code? The Complete Guide for Importers

If you import anything into the United States, you need an HTS code. It determines how much duty you pay — and getting it wrong can cost you thousands in overpaid duties or trigger a customs audit.

HTS Code Definition

An HTS code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule code) is a numerical classification assigned to every product imported into the United States. The code tells US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) exactly what you're importing and how much duty to charge.

The full name is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). It's maintained by the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and contains approximately 18,000 line items covering every product imaginable.

How to Read an HTS Code

HTS codes are 10-digit numbers with a specific structure:

The first 6 digits are standardized internationally under the Harmonized System (HS), used by over 200 countries. This means 8517.62 means the same thing whether you're importing into the US, EU, or Japan. The remaining digits are US-specific and determine your exact duty rate.

Why Your HTS Code Matters

The difference between two similar HTS codes can be dramatic:

• 8517.62.0090 (smartphones) — 0% general duty rate
• 6109.10.0040 (cotton T-shirts) — 16.5% duty rate
• 6403.91.60 (leather shoes, over $2.50/pair) — 8.5% duty rate

On top of the base HTS rate, your code determines whether additional tariffs apply:

• Section 301 tariffs (7.5-25% on Chinese goods, depending on product list)
• Section 232 tariffs (25% on steel, 10% on aluminum)
• Reciprocal tariffs (country-specific rates)
• Anti-dumping and countervailing duties (product-specific)

How to Find Your HTS Code

There are several ways to determine the right code:

1. Use our free HTS Code Lookup tool — Search by product name or HS number to find matching codes with duty rates from the official USITC database.
2. Search the USITC website — The official source at hts.usitc.gov has the full schedule with legal notes and annotations.
3. Ask your customs broker — Licensed customs brokers classify products professionally. This is recommended for high-value or complex products.
4. Request a binding ruling from CBP — For certainty, you can request a formal classification ruling that CBP must honor. These take 30-90 days but are legally binding.

Common HTS Classification Mistakes

• Using the wrong material classification — A "leather" bag that's actually synthetic faces a different rate. Material composition matters.
• Ignoring the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) — HTS classification follows specific legal rules. GRI 1 says you must first classify based on the terms of the headings and section/chapter notes.
• Copying supplier classifications — Your supplier's HS code is for their country's tariff schedule. The first 6 digits should match, but the US-specific digits may differ.
• Not updating after product changes — If you change materials, components, or product function, your HTS code may need to change too.

HTS Codes and Free Trade Agreements

Your HTS code also determines whether your product qualifies for preferential treatment under US free trade agreements (FTAs). For example, under USMCA (US-Mexico-Canada Agreement), many products from Mexico and Canada enter duty-free — but only if they meet specific rules of origin tied to their HTS classification.

Other FTAs that offer reduced or zero duty rates include agreements with Australia, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore.

Next Steps

1. Look up your product's HTS code using our free tool
2. Calculate your total import cost including duties, MPF, and harbor fees
3. Get your industry's Tariff Audit Report for a complete analysis of your highest-duty items and savings opportunities