One of the oft repeated questions that I receive via the Question Form on this blog is about Harmonised System (HS) tariff codes.. People often write to ask what is the HS tariff code for such and such commodities..
What is HS Code..?? The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System generally referred to as “Harmonized System” or simply “HS” is a multi-purpose international product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Courtesy of the good folks over at FTW Online, readers can now check the HS tariff code by clicking on the Customs icon provided in the side bar.. You can see it under the title HS Codes on the right side below the Questions Form..
I would however caution readers that HS Code lists provided on the internet are used only as guidance and one should always check with the local customs authority for the latest and up-to-date codes as there could be some sub-divisions added to the standard 6 digit HS code..
If you require the full official version of the HS Codes, you could buy it from the World Customs Organisation bookshop or use publications like Jacobsens Harmonized Customs & Excise Tariff Book..
Do you have any advice about reclassifying products to a different HTS code in order to save on duty and taxes?? I know that I can request a binding ruling from US Customs about the classification of my goods, but was wondering what the best way would be to go about this?? Any advice would be much appreciated.
It’s very interesting and useful information. But be aware that the HTS can be very complicated. If you self-classify an item and the classification is incorrect, the mistake can be costly. Why HS classification is so difficult?
Is HS Code HTS code the same? Seen HTS code mentioned on Invoices for shipemnts from the US. And is Schedule B number an extension of the H.SCode?
Hello Lakshmi, HTS Code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) and Schedule B are classification systems used by US Customs for Import and Export classifications respectively.. Both these use the Harmonized System (HS) governed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).. Trust this helps..