How TradeTools classifies products
TradeTools helps you find and understand Harmonized System codes for the United States (HTS), India (ITC-HS), and European Union (TARIC). This page explains what happens when you search—and what still requires human judgment and official sources.
What we build on
Our lookup is backed by structured tariff schedules and nomenclature data for each supported jurisdiction. We align HS hierarchy (chapters, headings, subheadings) with the codes your broker or customs software also references, so you see the same legal descriptions—not a paraphrase that drifts from the schedule.
Where it helps traders scan results faster, we may add short plain-English summaries for some lines. Those summaries are aids for reading the schedule; they do not replace the official wording when there is a conflict.
How search works
You enter a product description or a code. We match your text against nomenclature and search aids (including synonyms and common commercial terms where available) and return a ranked list of candidate codes with hierarchy context.
Ranking is designed for practical discovery: surfacing plausible chapters and headings early. It is not a binding legal test of “essential character” or composite goods rules—those depend on product facts and the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI).
What we do not do
- We do not issue binding rulings or speak for customs authorities.
- We do not guarantee that the first result is the only correct classification for your shipment.
- We do not replace chapter and section notes, end-use rules, or country-specific measures (for example anti-dumping or additional duties) that attach to specific tariff lines.
Recommended workflow
- Use TradeTools to build a shortlist and read the hierarchy.
- Open the official schedule for your country and read the relevant notes.
- For high-value or ambiguous goods, involve a licensed customs broker or seek an advance ruling where available.
See also: How to find the right HS code.