What is a Harmonized System (HS) Code?

A HS code identifies a product within a country’s tariff schedule. Every physical product imported into a country must have a HS code so customs can assess the correct import duty.

Whether you’re importing a live chicken, gold bullion, or a smartphone, there’s only one HS code in a country’s tariff schedule for that exact product.

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Technically, “HS code” refers only to the first 6 digits. However, most people (including us) use HS code to mean the full country-specific commodity code. When we provide a HS code, it’s always the full-length code.

How HS codes work

• Length: Usually 8–12 digits long
• First 6 digits: Standardized across all World Trade Organization (WTO) countries
• Remaining digits (and sometimes letters): Specific to the importing country
• Customs unions: Some regions (e.g. the European Union) share a common tariff and use the same code across all member countries.

HS code structure