{"id":14714,"date":"2023-01-24T04:54:45","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T12:54:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/?p=14714"},"modified":"2023-11-20T06:49:04","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T14:49:04","slug":"guide-to-hts-codes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/supply-chain\/guide-to-hts-codes\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to HS and HTS Codes"},"content":{"rendered":"

When <\/span>shipping internationally<\/span><\/a> it\u2019s important to get all documentation and product identification correct. If you don\u2019t, you\u2019ll likely get slammed with extra fees and shipping delays from products being held at customs. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most important aspects of proper customs clearance is classifying your products correctly. The\u00a0Customs and Border Protection uses an internationally recognized system of codes to identify and process your shipments accurately and on time. These are called HS codes and HTS codes, and they identify product classification and tariff\/tax dues, respectively. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is more about both HS Codes and HTS Codes and how to ensure you\u2019re properly classifying your products. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are HS Codes?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

HS stands for Harmonized System, which is an internationally recognized standard administered by The World Customs Organization (WCO). The HS\u00a0system of codes is used to identify and classify commodities (any goods or raw materials) that are moved across international borders. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Harmonized System codes are comprised of six digits. Each unique code identifies a specific commodity or raw product. All imports and exports are required to be identified by their HS code at customs to be cleared to move in or out of the country. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are HTS codes?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Often confused with HS codes, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, or HTS codes, are country-specific codes that help identify which duties and taxes are applied to products being imported. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

HTS codes are 8-to-10-digits long and are used to streamline the process of applying any customs fees like <\/span>tariffs, duties, and taxes<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Structure of HTS Codes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

HTS codes can differ from country to country, making decoding them complex. Let\u2019s take the US system, or Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the US (HTSUS),\u00a0as an example. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The U.S. International Trade Commission administers the HTS code for product classification purposes based on a product\u2019s composition, form and function. For example, if a shipment of coffee beans is to be imported, the HTS code would differ depending on whether the beans in question were coming into the U.S. raw or if they had already been roasted.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The US uses a 10-digit code system where the first six digits are the HS code (also called Schedule B number), and the last digits denote the HTS\u00a0code. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the different sections of HTS codes, and their meanings:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n