How to find your HS code
Any HS code works for a trade data search, from 2 digits to 8. Here's what the digits mean and how to find yours, even if you've never seen one.
What the digits mean
Take 0701.90, fresh potatoes. The first two digits (07) are the chapter, for edible vegetables. The first four (0701) are the heading, for potatoes. All six narrow it to potatoes other than seed.
Three ways to find yours
- Ask your supplier or customs broker. The code is usually on the invoice, packing list or shipping bill.
- Search an official tariff lookup. India's ICEGATE, the US HTS search and the EU's TARIC all let you check.
- Just send me the product. A plain description is enough to get started, and I can search by keyword or company too.
Common 6-digit codes
Examples to give you a feel for it. Always confirm your exact code before using it for customs.
| HS code | Product |
|---|---|
| 0701.90 | Fresh potatoes, other than seed |
| 0306.17 | Frozen shrimps and prawns |
| 0902.30 | Black tea in small packs, up to 3 kg |
| 1006.30 | Milled rice |
| 3004.90 | Medicines, packaged for retail |
| 3304.99 | Beauty and skin care preparations |
| 6109.10 | Cotton T-shirts |
| 6302.31 | Cotton bed linen |
| 8507.60 | Lithium-ion batteries |
| 8517.13 | Smartphones |
| 8541.43 | Solar panels (photovoltaic modules) |
| 8708.29 | Motor vehicle body parts |
Code length by country
Only the first 6 digits are international. Each country adds its own digits after that.
| Where | System | Digits |
|---|---|---|
| Worldwide | HS | 6 |
| India | HSN / ITC-HS | 8 |
| European Union | CN, TARIC | 8 or 10 |
| United States | HTS | 10 |
| China | Customs tariff code | 10 |
Common questions
What is an HS code?
A number that identifies a traded product. The first 6 digits are the same in almost every country, because they follow the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System.
What is the difference between HS code and HSN code?
HSN is the name used in India for the same system. Indian codes are usually 8 digits, and the first 6 match the international HS code.
How many digits do I need?
Any number works. 2 digits cover a whole chapter, 4 a heading, 6 the international subheading and 8 a national tariff line. More digits give a narrower search.
Got your code? Send it over.
The sample is free and there is nothing to sign. Tell me the HS code, product or company on WhatsApp.