What Is an HTS Code & How to Find Yours: The 2026 Complete Guide
Every product imported into the United States has a 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule code that determines exactly how much duty you pay, what trade programs you qualify for, and which agencies have jurisdiction. Get it right and you pay the lowest legal duty. Get it wrong and you either overpay or get caught in a CBP audit with retroactive duties, interest, and penalties.
Table of contents
What is an HTS code?
An HTS code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule code) is a 10-digit numerical identifier assigned to every product imported into the United States. It is administered by the US International Trade Commission and used by CBP to assess duty, enforce trade programs, and gather statistics.
The HTS is the US-specific version of the Harmonized System (HS) — a 6-digit international standard maintained by the World Customs Organization and used by 200+ countries.
As the importer of record, you are legally responsible for the correct classification.
Anatomy of an HTS code — what each digit means
A US HTS code looks like this: 8517.13.0000
| Digits | Name | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Chapter | Broad category (97 chapters) | 85 = Electrical machinery |
| 3–4 | Heading | Product family within chapter | 8517 = Telephones |
| 5–6 | Subheading | More specific product | 8517.13 = Smartphones |
| 7–8 | US tariff rate line | US-specific subdivision | 8517.13.00 |
| 9–10 | Statistical suffix | Statistical reporting | 8517.13.0000 |
The first 6 digits are international (HS). The last 4 are US-specific (HTSUS). CBP requires you to file with the full 10-digit code.
HTS vs HS vs Schedule B vs HTSUS
| Term | Used for | Length | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS | International, all countries | 6 digits | World Customs Organization |
| HTSUS | Importing into the US | 10 digits | US ITC |
| HTS | Common abbreviation for HTSUS | 10 digits | Same |
| Schedule B | Exporting from the US | 10 digits | US Census Bureau |
How to find your HTS code — 4 methods
Method 1 — USITC official search (recommended)
Go to hts.usitc.gov. Use the keyword search with the most specific noun for your product. Drill down through chapter, heading, subheading, then tariff rate line. Read section and chapter notes carefully — these contain exclusions.
Method 2 — CROSS — CBP Customs Rulings
Go to rulings.cbp.gov. Database of every binding ruling CBP has issued. The single best free tool for unusual products.
Method 3 — Ask your customs broker
For $10–$50, a licensed customs broker will research. Faster than DIY but not legally binding on CBP.
Method 4 — Hire a trade attorney or classification specialist
For high-stakes products ($50,000+ annual duty exposure), hire a specialist for $500–$3,000. Often combined with a binding ruling request.
The 6 most common HTS mistakes
- Classifying by function instead of by composition. "Phone case" doesn't go to chapter 85. Plastic → chapter 39.
- Trusting the supplier's quote. Chinese suppliers regularly quote the lowest-duty code regardless of accuracy.
- Ignoring chapter notes. Notes can move a product out of a chapter entirely.
- Using a 6-digit HS code. CBP filings require all 10 digits.
- Not updating after a product change. New materials, new components → potentially new HTS.
- Filing a kit with the same code as one component. Sets and kits have specific GRI treatment.
Real examples — same product, different code, different duty
Electric toothbrush:
- 8509.80.50 (electromechanical domestic appliances) — base 4.2%, +China 301 25%, +reciprocal 30% → ~59% landed.
- 9603.21.0000 (toothbrushes) — base 0%, +Section 301 7.5%, +reciprocal 30% → ~38% landed.
Correct code per CBP rulings is 9603.21 (brush head is essential character). Saves 21 percentage points.
Laptop bag with built-in battery pack: depends on essential character. Usually 4202.92. Get a binding ruling.
LED desk lamp with USB charger and Bluetooth speaker: classify by essential character (GRI 3(b)). CBP has ruled similar products 9405.40.
When to request a CBP binding ruling
A binding ruling is CBP's official decision on your product's classification. Free, takes 30–60 days, binding on CBP nationwide.
Request when:
- Annual duty exposure exceeds $20,000 and classification is unclear.
- Multiple plausible classifications differ by more than 5 percentage points.
- Your product is novel and there is no CROSS ruling on similar items.
- You are entering a regulated category (FDA, FCC, CPSC).
How to request: go to eRulings. Submit complete description with photos and specs. Propose your suggested classification with reasoning. Once issued, store the ruling number and reference it on every entry.
After you have your code
Plug it into our import duty calculator for your full landed cost — base duty, Section 301, Section 232, reciprocal, MPF, HMF.
Then check trade preference programs: USMCA, GSP, CAFTA-DR, AGOA. A correctly classified product entering under preference can cut duty to zero.
Frequently asked questions
Is the HTS code the same as the HS code?
The first 6 digits are the same. HS is the 6-digit international standard. HTS or HTSUS is the 10-digit US-specific schedule.
Can I use my supplier's HTS code?
You can use it as a starting point but you must verify it. The supplier has no legal liability if it's wrong — you do.
How often does the HTS update?
Updated periodically by US ITC, with annual changes plus mid-year amendments for Section 301 lists, AD/CVD orders, and trade program updates.
What if I get the HTS code wrong?
CBP can reclassify and issue a Notice of Action. You owe back duty plus interest plus potential negligence penalties.
What is the difference between HTS and Schedule B?
HTS is for imports. Schedule B is for exports. First 6 digits identical.
Where can I find a free HTS code lookup?
Official source: hts.usitc.gov. Binding ruling research: rulings.cbp.gov.