HS codes for China imports: how to find and use them
Customs & rules · Updated
Every product that crosses an international border gets a Harmonized System (HS) code. That code does two things: it tells customs what you are importing, and it sets the duty rate you pay. Get it wrong and you either overpay or trigger a customs hold.
Here is how to find the right code for your goods and use it correctly.
Key takeaways
- --Every imported product maps to a 10-digit HTS number in the US, which sets the exact duty rate.
- --The authoritative source for US HTS codes is the USITC tariff database at hts.usitc.gov.
- --Suppliers often give HS codes based on Chinese export classification, which may not match the US import code.
- --Misclassification is the most common customs problem for small importers and is almost always unintentional.
- --A binding ruling from CBP gives legally binding certainty on classification for products imported regularly.
- --Confirming the HS code before goods ship is far cheaper than a hold and reclassification at the port.
What an HS code actually is
The Harmonized System is an international classification framework used by over 200 countries. Every tradeable product maps to a 6-digit HS code. Countries then extend that with additional digits for their national tariff schedules.
In the US, the full code is 10 digits and is called the HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) number. The first 6 digits are the universal HS code shared across countries; the last 4 are US-specific and determine the exact duty rate and any additional tariff columns that apply, including Section 301 and executive-order tariffs on goods from China.
The duty rate is tied to the 10-digit HTS number, not to a product description. Two items that look similar can have different codes and very different duty rates.
How to find your HTS code
The authoritative source is the US International Trade Commission (USITC) tariff database at hts.usitc.gov. You can search by keyword or browse the schedule by section and chapter.
- Start with the product's material: goods are organized first by what they are made of (textiles, metals, plastics, electronics), then by function.
- Read the chapter notes and section notes, not just the heading descriptions. A product that looks like it fits one heading may be excluded by a note.
- Use the most specific applicable subheading. A vague high-level code is a misclassification flag.
If you are unsure between two codes, look at the duty rates for both and the tariff columns for China. The difference can be significant.
Common misclassification traps
Misclassification is the most common customs problem for small importers. It is almost always unintentional, but customs does not distinguish between innocent and deliberate errors.
- Using a supplier-suggested code without verifying it. Suppliers often give codes based on what left their country, not what enters yours.
- Using a 6-digit HS code instead of the full 10-digit HTS number. Truncated codes are not valid for US entry.
- Choosing a code based on the product name rather than its material, construction, or function.
- Using a code from a prior shipment without checking whether it changed. HTS codes are revised periodically.
Confirming your code before you ship
For a product you import regularly, a binding ruling from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) gives you certainty. CBP will classify the product and that ruling is legally binding for future entries. The process takes several months, so it is better suited to ongoing programs than one-off shipments.
For a one-off or first shipment, a licensed customs broker can review your product and confirm the correct code. That is the faster and more common path for small importers.
Either way, confirm before the goods ship, not after they arrive. A hold at the port is far more expensive than getting the code right in advance.
FAQ
What is an HS code?
A Harmonized System code is a standardized international product classification number used by customs authorities worldwide. In the US, the full 10-digit version is called an HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) number and determines your import duty rate.
How do I find the right HTS code for my product?
Use the USITC tariff database at hts.usitc.gov. Search by keyword or browse by material and product type. Read the chapter and section notes, and use the most specific applicable subheading. When in doubt, a customs broker can confirm the right code for your specific product.
Can I use the HS code my Chinese supplier gave me?
You can use it as a starting point, but verify it yourself. Suppliers classify goods for Chinese export, and the code that applies on export does not always match the code for US import. The 10-digit HTS number for US entry is your responsibility.
What happens if I use the wrong HS code?
Customs may hold the shipment for examination, reclassify the goods and bill you the difference in duty, or in serious cases assess penalties. Even unintentional misclassification can cause delays and additional costs. Confirm the code before you ship.
Does the HS code affect whether my goods face Section 301 tariffs from China?
Yes. Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods are applied at the HTS chapter and heading level. The additional rate for a given product depends on its 8-digit HTS number and whether it appears on one of the Section 301 tariff lists. Some categories face 7.5 percent additional duty, others 25 percent, and a third tranche introduced in 2024 set rates as high as 100 to 145 percent on specific product categories. Checking both the MFN rate and the applicable Section 301 column for your product's full 10-digit HTS is essential before you order.
How do I confirm my HS code is correct before I ship?
The most reliable path is to have a licensed US customs broker review your product, invoice, and intended use and confirm the code. For ongoing imports, you can also apply to CBP for a binding ruling, which locks in the classification and protects you from reclassification on future entries. For a first-time shipment, a broker review before goods are loaded is the standard approach and is typically included when you use a full-service forwarder.
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