HS code FAQ

Frequently asked questions about HS codes, HTS and ITC‑HS

Q: What is an HS code and how many digits does it have?

An HS code stands for Harmonized System. The core HS code is 6 digits (HS-6) and is shared by almost all countries; governments add extra digits after HS-6 to create their own tariff and statistical codes (for example: HTS in the US and ITC-HS in India).

Q: HS, HTS, Schedule B, ITC-HS – what’s the difference?

HS is the global 6-digit structure. HTS (US) is a country extension used for US imports. Schedule B is used for US export reporting (the first 6 digits match HS, but the remaining digits can differ). ITC-HS (India) is an 8-digit extension used for India imports/exports. TARIC (EU) extends HS-6 with EU-specific digits for EU import declarations.

Q: How do I find the HS code for my product?

Start with a clear product description that includes material, use, and key specs. Then use an HS code lookup tool to shortlist likely codes. Validate your candidate by reading the relevant chapter/heading notes and confirm the correct country extension before you file customs paperwork.

Q: How does HS code link to GST or customs duty?

Once you know the correct HS or country-specific tariff code, tax engines and tariff schedules use that code to determine base duties, additional duties, and the GST/VAT rate. Classification also affects eligibility for preferential tariffs under trade agreements.

Q: Official government portals for HS code lookup

Use official portals for each country. The USITC publishes the US HTS for imports (and Schedule B is used for US export reporting). India’s DGFT and CBIC publish ITC-HS and the customs tariff context. The EU uses TARIC via the EU consultation tools.

10 min readLast updated: March 2026

A practical FAQ written for people who actually have to ship goods: the import/export teams, finance managers, and founders who keep wondering whether they are using the right tariff code. If you have ever typed things like "HS code lookup USA", "HS code for garments in India", or "GST rate by HS code" into a search bar, this page is for you.

Quick answer

HS codes are the standardized “product language” customs uses. The core HS level is 6 digits (HS-6), and countries extend HS-6 into formats like HTS (US imports), ITC-HS (India), and TARIC (EU) so duties, taxes, and reporting work correctly.

To classify your product, write a specific description, shortlist candidates with an HS code lookup tool, then validate by reading the chapter/heading notes before filing.

1. What is an HS code and how many digits does it have?

HS code full form: HS stands for Harmonized System, a global product classification system maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The core HS code is 6 digits and is shared by almost all countries. Governments add extra digits after HS‑6 to create their own tariff and statistical codes.

HS‑2: chapter (e.g. 61 – articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted)
HS‑4: heading (e.g. 6109 – T‑shirts, singlets and other vests)
HS‑6: subheading (e.g. 6109.10 – of cotton)

After HS‑6, each country adds its own digits. For example the US has 10‑digit HTS codes, India has 8‑digit ITC‑HS codes, and the EU has 10‑digit TARIC codes.

2. HS, HTS, Schedule B, ITC‑HS – what's the difference?

HS (global)

The 6‑digit Harmonized System structure used worldwide. HS‑6 is the common language for customs statistics and tariff schedules.

HTS & Schedule B (United States)

HTS codes (10‑digit) are used for US imports and published by the USITC.Schedule B codes are used for US export reporting to Census. The first 6 digits of both match the HS code.

ITC‑HS (India)

ITC‑HS codes (8‑digit) are maintained by DGFT and used for Indian imports and exports. The first 6 digits again mirror the HS code and the extra digits are used for India‑specific duty and policy lines.

TARIC (European Union)

The EU's TARIC code builds on HS‑6 with EU‑specific digits to capture anti‑dumping duties, quotas, and preferential rates. It is mandatory for import declarations into the EU.

System	Code length	Where it applies
HS (global)	6 digits (HS-6)	Shared backbone used worldwide
HTS (US) + Schedule B	Typically 10 digits	US imports (HTS) and US export reporting (Schedule B)
ITC-HS (India)	Typically 8 digits	India import/export classification
TARIC (EU)	Typically 10 digits	EU import declarations with EU-specific measures

3. How do I find the HS code for my product?

The fastest way is to combine a clear product description with an HS code lookup tool.

Write a specific description. Include material, use, and any key specs: “men's cotton t‑shirt”, “laptop computer 15‑inch”, “stainless steel kitchen sink”.
Use an HS code lookup tool. TradeTools HS Code Lookup lets you search by description or a partial HS code for the US, India, and EU.
Verify the hierarchy. Check that the chapter and heading match your product and read any chapter or section notes that apply.

For more step‑by‑step guidance, see How to find the right HS code.

Key takeaway: If you're trying to find HS code by product description, the fastest path is still the same: be specific in Step 1, shortlist in an HS lookup tool, and then validate using chapter/heading notes and the correct country extension.

4. How does HS code link to GST or customs duty?

Once you know the correct HS or country‑specific tariff code, tax engines and tariff schedules use that code to determine:

Basic customs duty and additional duties (e.g. anti‑dumping, safeguard duties)
GST / VAT rates or sales tax for that product category
Eligibility for preferential tariffs under trade agreements

In India, for example, GST rate notifications are indexed by HS chapter or specific ITC‑HS codes. In the US and EU, national tariff schedules link duty and tax rates directly to the 8‑ or 10‑digit code.

Official government portals for HS code lookup

Each country publishes the official tariff and HS-based codes. Use these official government portals for authoritative HS code lookup and classification:

United States: USITC HTS (imports); Census Bureau Schedule B for exports.
India: DGFT and CBIC for ITC‑HS and customs tariff; Indian Trade Portal for trade information and tariff references.
European Union: EU TARIC for the integrated tariff.
Canada: CBSA Canadian Customs Tariff and classification rulings.

5. Where can I download HS or ITC‑HS code lists?

The same authorities above also publish full schedules (PDF/Excel). TradeTools focuses on lookup and search; for bulk lists, use the official portals or their download pages.

United States: HTS schedule at the USITC website; Schedule B list at the Census Bureau.
India: ITC‑HS code list and associated notifications from DGFT and CBIC. Sites like Zauba also display HS codes alongside Indian trade data for reference.
European Union: TARIC and CN code databases from the European Commission.

Many traders prefer to search online (e.g. an HS code lookup tool or official database) instead of maintaining local Excel or PDF files, which quickly go out of date when HS revisions or tariff changes are introduced.

6. Where can I look up HS codes for Canada or other countries?

TradeTools currently offers HS code lookup for the United States (HTS), India (ITC‑HS), and the European Union (TARIC). For Canada, use the official CBSA tariff (Canadian Customs Tariff) and the CBSA website for classification. Other countries publish their own schedules (e.g. UK Trade Tariff, Australia Customs); always use the official customs or trade authority for the country you are importing into or exporting from.

7. Can I rely only on AI tools for HS code classification?

AI tools and HS code lookup engines are excellent for research andshort‑listing candidate codes, but they do not replace your legal responsibility to file the correct classification.

Always validate the final HS code against the official tariff schedule and legal notes.
For high‑value or complex products, consider getting a binding ruling or professional advice.
Keep documentation of how you decided on a particular HS / HTS / ITC‑HS code.

TradeTools is designed to help you get to the short list of likely HS codes quickly. Final legal responsibility remains with the importer or exporter.

Key takeaway: You can use AI tools for short-listing, but you still need to validate the final HS code with official notes and the correct country extension. Keeping that reasoning documented makes audits far less painful.

Online tools and services that help with HS code lookup

Online tools that offer HS code lookup broadly fall into three buckets. First, there are the official government portals (USITC, DGFT, TARIC – see above), which publish the legal tariff text and are the final word on classification. Second, there are free lookup tools like TradeTools that make it easier to search by product or code across multiple countries, including sectors such as textiles, machinery, or electronics. Third, there are services offering HS code classification – licensed customs brokers, trade compliance software, and paid classification teams that can review your specific products.

For routine, low‑risk items, a combination of your internal knowledge and a good lookup tool is often enough. For high‑value or complex goods, it is worth involving a broker or requesting a binding ruling from customs so that the code is clearly documented and defensible.