What is HS Code & how to find correct HTS tariff classification by using Find HS Codes

"The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System" developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) is universally used for the classification of products. The system, generally referred to as "Harmonized System" is a multipurpose international product nomenclature. It comprises around 5,000 commodity groups; each identified by a six digit code, arranged in a legal and logical structure and is supported by well-defined rules to achieve uniform classification. Over 98% of the merchandise in international trade is classified in terms of the "HS Code" or "HTS Code" which is used by more than 200 countries as a basis for their customs tariffs and for the collection of international trade statistics. This means that the six digit code mentioned above, refers to the same good in the customs of almost all countries in the world. Hence, the "Harmonized System" provides a common ground and universal economic language for international trade.

Determining the correct HS Code has a crucial importance for trade professionals mainly for two reasons:

1. For importers/exporters correct classification is a legal responsibility, as it is the basis for critical implementations such as the customs duty and trade measures that apply, import-export admissibility of the related product, etc. Therefore misclassification of a product, may have damaging consequences for a company (e.g. losing money, being subject to penalties or worse).
2. Tariff classification codes (i.e. HS Codes) are extensively used by trade professionals to learn and analyse crucial trade information such as trade measures effective on certain goods, trade statistics, price monitoring, etc.

In the dynamic realm of global commerce, the accurate classification of tariffs stands as a fundamental pillar for both importers and exporters. Traditional methods of determining Harmonized System (HS) Codes often prove cumbersome and susceptible to errors. This is where our revolutionary solution steps in: FindHS.Codes – the AI-Based Thematic Search Engine for Tariff Classification.

While the "Harmonized System" is a well-established taxonomy, pinpointing the correct HS Code within the system remains a formidable challenge. The sheer breadth of the system encompasses a myriad of goods and commodities, rendering the task of classification complex. Navigating this extensive array demands specialized knowledge and expertise, often lacking among those engaged in foreign trade.

FindHS.Codes is meticulously crafted to surmount these hurdles. Leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, it encapsulates the intricate rule-based structure of the "Harmonized System." Users simply input the description of the desired product, and the system seamlessly processes the text through advanced textual analysis algorithms. Subsequently, it deduces the requisite tariff classification, presenting users with the most relevant 6-digit HS Codes. Additionally, accompanying images of products classified under these codes provide further clarity and context.

By harnessing the power of AI, FindHS.Codes streamlines the arduous process of tariff classification, offering unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. Gone are the days of laborious manual searches and the risks associated with misclassification. With FindHS.Codes, businesses can navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence, ensuring compliance and optimizing their global operations.

When you conduct a new search on FindHS.Codes, our system endeavors to match your query phrase with thousands of meticulously pre-defined HS Code class definitions curated by our team of experts. Employing state-of-the-art AI technology, the system sifts through these definitions to identify the best possible match. If a suitable match is found, the results are presented as Smart Search results, which include:

• HS Code Classifications: Different types of classifications for the product, reflecting various aspects such as materials used or intended purpose.
• Sample Reference Product Information: Visual and textual descriptions of similar products, aiding users in making informed decisions.
• Supplementary Information: Additional details to ensure accurate classification.

Following the Smart Search, our system delves deeper with a comprehensive AI-powered search. Our specialized AI engine scours through vast datasets to pinpoint the best-matching 6-digit HS Code definitions based on your query phrase. These results are displayed under the "AI-Deep Learning Results" tab, where:

• Results Grouping: Results are grouped by 6-digit HS Codes for clarity and ease of reference.
• Ranking: Results are ranked by their relevance score compared to your query phrase.
• Reference Products: Each group includes visual and textual descriptions of reference products, providing further insight into the classification.

With FindHS.Codes, you can trust that our advanced AI technology is working tirelessly to deliver accurate and comprehensive results tailored to your needs. Whether you're navigating complex trade regulations or seeking to streamline your import/export processes, FindHS.Codes is your indispensable partner in international trade classification.

i. Search by Description: This is the most common type of search on FindHS.Codes. Users can input a description of the product they're interested in, and the system will match it with relevant HS Codes. For example, if you're looking for the classification of a "wooden table," you can simply type that description into the search bar. The system will then display the corresponding HS Codes along with additional details such as sample reference products and supplementary information.

ii. Search by HS Code: Users can also perform searches by directly inputting 4 or 6 digit HS Codes. For instance, if you know the HS Code for "iron or steel structures," which is 7318.16, you can enter it into the search bar. The system will then provide details of the selected HS Code, including the combined nomenclature along with images and descriptions of goods classified under that heading. Users can click on displayed HS Codes to explore further details.

iii. Search by CAS Numbers: For chemical products, users can utilize Chemical Abstract Numbers (CAS Numbers) for classification. Simply enter a valid CAS Number into the search box, such as "22199-08-2" or "CAS No 1947-62-2," and click on the search button. If the CAS Number is within the scope of FindHS.Codes (which currently covers approximately 74,000 CAS Numbers), the system will display the corresponding HS Codes and chemical descriptions associated with that CAS Number. This feature enables users to quickly and accurately classify chemical products for international trade purposes.

With these three search mechanisms, FindHS.Codes provides users with versatile options to efficiently and accurately determine HS Codes for their products, whether they're searching by description, HS Code, or CAS Number.

FindHS.Codes typically provides six-digit universal standard HS Codes, which are not directly declarable in customs procedures. However, detailed Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes specific to each country are required for import and export purposes.

As a significant advancement, FindHS.Codes now offers declarable codes for several key regions, including the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), United States (USA), China, Japan, India, and Turkey. These declarable codes ensure compliance with the customs regulations of each respective country, facilitating smoother international trade transactions.

In addition to the current list of countries for which declarable codes are provided FindHS.Codes is committed to expanding this coverage to include even more countries in the near future.

This means that users can expect to access declarable codes for an even broader range of countries, ensuring comprehensive compliance with customs regulations worldwide. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to enhance our platform and add new countries to our list of supported regions.

Alongside helping you find the correct HS Codes, FindHS.Codes offers valuable information on customs duty rates applicable for importing into both the United States and European Union countries. Once you've identified the required HS Code or HTS Code for your product, you can easily query the customs duty rates associated with importing that product into either the USA or EU countries.

Customs duty rates applicable for importing into the USA Customs duty rates applicable for importing into the European Union Countries

You may further analyze the images of the products classified under that HTS Code by clicking EU Binding Tariff Information button. In this page, Binding tariffs issued by EU Countries for the selected HS Code are displayed. This will give you a good chance to see whether similar products are classified under the selected HS Code or not.

If you're unable to find the information you need or if you're uncertain about the results you've obtained, FindHS.Codes offers a Tariff Classification and HS Code Determination Service to address your specific requirements. This service is available for a fee.

When you opt for our Tariff Classification service, our team of experts will conduct a thorough analysis based on your product description or specifications. They will then prepare a detailed report containing the exact HS Code and other relevant reference information for your product.

This comprehensive report serves as a valuable resource, providing you with the confidence and clarity needed to navigate international trade regulations effectively. If you're interested in learning more about this service, you can refer to a sample report for additional information.

If you do not find what you are looking for, or if you cannot decide whether you find the correct results, you may apply for our tariff classification service. Click for details.

As stated by the famous saying "A picture is worth a thousand words", using images for HS Code determination is very important. Allowing the users to make visual search is one of the unique features of FindHS.Codes.

If you have an image of the product for which you want to learn the HS Code, you may get better search results by providing that image along with the textual description of the related product.

For instance let’s say that you would like to learn the HS Code for "digital photo frame" and you have the following image stored on your computer.

In this case

1. Enter "digital photo frame" in the input box
2. Select the above mentioned image by using Select Image button
3. Click the Search button

When you click the Search button, the system will use both the text description (i.e. digital photo frame) and the image to find the best matching HS Codes. Providing an image might help you get better results in two ways:

1. If there are similar images within the system scope, HS Codes related with those similar images are more likely to appear in front rows.
2. Similar images are displayed in the leading columns of the related HS Codes so that you can make an easier determination as shown in the sample search result page below.