HS Codes Explained: How to Find the Right Commodity Code
Last updated: 2026-08-11
The HS code decides your duty rate, your permit requirements and how quickly your shipment clears. It is one of the few import decisions made before shipping that cannot be quietly corrected later — so it pays to classify carefully.
What an HS code is
The Harmonized System is the World Customs Organization's product nomenclature. The first six digits are internationally common; countries extend them to eight or ten digits for their own tariff and statistical purposes.
| Level | Digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 2 | Broad product family |
| Heading | 4 | Product group |
| Subheading | 6 | International classification |
| National code | 8–10 | Country tariff / statistical detail |
HS code vs commodity code vs tariff code
They usually describe the same thing at different depths: "HS code" normally means the 6-digit international subheading, while "commodity code" or "tariff code" typically means the longer national code used on the declaration in a specific country.
How to classify a product step by step
- Describe the product by what it is: composition, form, purity or grade, and function.
- Identify the chapter from the material or product family.
- Narrow to a heading using the legal texts, not the marketing name.
- Apply the section and chapter notes — they override intuition.
- Confirm the national extension in the destination country's tariff schedule.
Classifying chemicals and industrial goods
Chemicals are classified on composition, not trade name. A branded product name almost never appears in the tariff; the CAS identity, purity and whether the product is a pure compound, a mixture or a preparation determine the heading.
Tradloc's HS Code Finder normalises the product description first, then searches candidate headings and returns matches with a confidence score and reasoning.
Guidance vs official classification
Any tool output — including Tradloc's — is decision support. Binding classification comes from the customs authority in the destination country, or from a licensed broker acting on your declaration. For high-value or repeat shipments, seek a formal ruling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the HS code the same in every country?
- The first six digits are internationally aligned. The longer national codes differ by country, so verify the destination country's extension.
- What happens if I use the wrong HS code?
- Consequences range from re-assessment and duty differences to penalties and clearance delays. Correct it before filing rather than after.
- Can I classify a product from its brand name?
- No. Classification follows composition and function. You need the technical identity of the product, not its commercial name.