The Harmonized System (HS) is an international nomenclature system for the classification of products. It is used by customs authorities around the world to determine tariffs and quotas, compile trade statistics, and enforce trade regulations. Having the correct HS code for your imported or exported products is crucial for smooth customs clearance and avoiding penalties. This comprehensive guide will help you efficiently search and find HS codes for all your trade activities.

1. Understanding the Structure of HS Codes

HS codes are a series of numbers that identify a particular product in international trade. They have a logical structure that reveals information about the product:

• The first two digits designate the HS chapter, which identifies the broad category of the product, such as “84” for machinery.
• The next two digits represent the HS heading, which is a narrower category, like “8415” for air conditioning machines.
• The next two digits indicate the HS subheading, which provides more specificity, such as “841510” for window or wall air conditioning units.
• Some codes have up to two more sets of two digits each, adding further subclassification.
• Many countries add two or more digits at the national level for even more detailed classification.

Knowing the structure of HS codes allows you to strategically search for codes at different levels of specificity.

2. Using Online Search Tools to Find HS Codes

Many free online tools allow you to search for HS codes by keyword or product description. Here are some of the top options:

• UNCTAD: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development offers a very user-friendly HS code search engine. It has lookup functions in English, French and Spanish.
• Export.gov: The USA Trade Online search tool from Export.gov lets you find codes down to the 10-digit US schedule level.
• European Commission: The TARIC search engine can look up codes in the EU Combined Nomenclature.
• CBP.gov: The Harmonized Tariff Schedule search tool from US Customs and Border Protection searches US HTS codes.
• HKTDC: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council website offers HS code lookup for Asian trading markets.

Plugging your product name or keywords into a few different tools is the easiest way to quickly find the relevant HS codes.

3. Consulting the Official HS Handbook

The World Customs Organization publishes the international Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System handbook, commonly called the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature. This book provides the 6-digit HS code for every possible product, as agreed upon by all countries that use the HS system.

The HS Nomenclature handbook is organized into 21 sections based on product categories, with 97 chapters grouped into those sections. Each chapter covers related products, listed by their 6-digit HS codes.

If online search tools cannot definitively answer your HS code question, consulting the HS Nomenclature will give you the official code. Print editions can be ordered online. There are also digital PDF versions available for purchase or subscription.

4. Getting Help from Experts

Professional customs brokers, freight forwarders and trade consultants specialize in HS codes and other import/export regulations. If you need additional assistance, it may be worthwhile getting advice from an expert.

• Customs brokers have intimate knowledge of HS codes, customs processes, and the commodity classifications used specifically by your country. They stay on top of the latest updates.
• Freight forwarders classify shipments with HS codes daily as part of their business. An established forwarder that specializes in your product type may offer HS code lookup assistance.
• Trade consultants provide customized import/export guidance, including on HS codes. They can advise you on codes for your niche industry.
• Trade associations sometimes provide HS code lookup services and resources for their members. Reach out to relevant industry groups in your country.

Getting personal guidance from a professional can help resolve any uncertainties and ensure you have the optimal HS codes.

5. Research Relevant Regulations and Rulings

Each country publishes regulations and administrative rulings that offer official classification decisions on HS codes for certain goods. Studying these can provide helpful clarification in some cases:

• In the US, Customs Rulings Online allows you to search binding HS code rulings made by Customs and Border Protection.
• The European Union publishes explanatory notes and regulations that complement the HS codes at the EU level.
• Many other customs authorities publish similar documents online. Search “[country name] customs HS code classifications” for specifics.

Digging into the fine details of how certain products have been classified in relevant rulings can give helpful clues and precedent for your own HS code questions.

6. Considering End Use When Multiple HS Codes Apply

Some goods may seem to fit under multiple HS codes. In these cases, the end use or principal use of the product determines its classification:

• Parts and accessories are classified according to the HS code for the finished equipment they are used with.
• Products with multiple possible uses are categorized based on their primary purpose.
• Test kits containing various chemicals get coded based on the substance being tested for.
• Some chemicals have separate codes depending on their concentration level or mixture state.

When a product could plausibly fall under several codes, think carefully about its ultimate purpose and how it would likely be applied in real situations.

7. Getting Familiar with “Not Elsewhere Specified” Categories

HS codes with wording like “Not Elsewhere Specified” or “Other” are useful catch-alls for goods that don’t have their own codes:

• These NES categories come at the end of HS chapters and headings.
• They cover products that clearly belong in that section but don’t have their own 6-digit code.
• They are a good fallback option if you can’t determine a more specific code.

Make note of NES codes in sections related to your products. They can solve many HS code mysteries when stumped.

8. Updating Codes for Product Variations

When your product has multiple variations such as different models, materials, sizes, etc., each one may need its own HS code specified at the 8-, 10- or 12-digit level:

• Color, flavor or scent differences could warrant a distinct HS subheading.
• Variations in a chemical’s composition or concentration affect its code.
• Differences in materials (leather vs. plastic) or style (analog vs. digital) result in separate codes.

Check if product variations relevant to your business require assigning more specific HS classification codes.

9. Getting New HS Codes Added

What if your revolutionary new product type isn’t covered under any existing HS code? In such cases, you can file a request to get a new code added:

• The World Customs Organization periodically reviews and updates the HS schedule. New codes can be added through this process.
• Most countries have procedures to submit applications for new HS codes. In the US, you can petition CBP directly.
• A strong case will need to be made for why a new code is warranted, with extensive detail on the product’s attributes and uses.

For truly novel products, working to establish unique HS codes can ensure accurate classification and duty assessment.

10. Regularly Checking for HS Code Updates

HS codes, notes and regulations do periodically get updated, changed or removed. It’s important to stay on top of the latest revisions:

• New codes get added for emerging technologies, industries and consumer trends.
• Code definitions get amended to clarify classification of certain goods.
• Governments occasionally recalibrate duties by shifting products between codes.
• Legal rulings and trade agreements spur modifications.

Bookmark key HS code resources and sign up for update alerts so you never miss important changes impacting your imports or exports.

Conclusion

Classifying your shipments with correct HS codes is crucial for smooth customs clearance, proper duty calculation, and import/export compliance. Follow this guide’s practical tips for efficiently searching codes with online tools, consulting official manuals, getting expert help, researching classifications, considering end uses, noting NES categories, specifying codes for product variations, requesting new codes, and monitoring HS schedule changes. With the right approach, you can find and apply the optimal HS codes for all your traded goods.