How to Read an HTS Code: A Beginner's Guide
If you've ever tried to look up an import duty rate, you've encountered HTS codes — those long strings of numbers like 8471.30.0100 that look like they were designed to confuse people. Good news: they follow a logical structure, and once you understand it, you can decode any HTS code in seconds.
What Is an HTS Code?
HTS stands for Harmonized Tariff Schedule. It's the system the US (and most countries) use to classify every product that crosses the border. Each product gets a code, and that code determines the duty rate you pay.
The system is maintained by the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and is based on the international Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization.
Breaking Down the Digits
Let's decode a real HTS code: 8471.30.0100 (laptop computers)
| Digits | Level | Meaning | Who Defines It |
|---|---|---|---|
84 | Chapter | Broad category (Machinery & mechanical appliances) | International (WCO) |
8471 | Heading | Narrower group (Automatic data processing machines) | International (WCO) |
8471.30 | Subheading | Specific type (Portable, ≤10 kg) | International (WCO) |
8471.30.0100 | US tariff line | US-specific breakdown | USITC (US only) |
The Key Rule: More Digits = More Specific
Think of it like an address:
- Chapter (2 digits) = the country
- Heading (4 digits) = the city
- Subheading (6 digits) = the street
- US tariff line (8-10 digits) = the house number
The first 6 digits are internationally standardized — a laptop is classified as 8471.30 whether you're importing it into the US, EU, Japan, or Brazil. The digits after that are country-specific.
The 99 Chapters
The HTS has 99 chapters organized roughly from raw materials to finished goods:
| Chapters | Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | Animals | Live animals, meat, fish, dairy |
| 6-14 | Plants | Vegetables, fruits, coffee, grains |
| 15-24 | Food products | Oils, sugar, beverages, tobacco |
| 25-27 | Minerals | Salt, stone, cement, petroleum |
| 28-38 | Chemicals | Organic/inorganic chemicals, pharma |
| 39-40 | Plastics & rubber | Plastic articles, tires |
| 41-43 | Leather & fur | Hides, leather goods, furs |
| 44-49 | Wood & paper | Lumber, paper, books |
| 50-63 | Textiles | Fabrics, clothing, linens |
| 64-67 | Footwear & headwear | Shoes, hats, umbrellas |
| 68-71 | Stone & glass | Ceramics, glass, jewelry |
| 72-83 | Metals | Steel, aluminum, tools, hardware |
| 84-85 | Machinery & electronics | Computers, phones, appliances |
| 86-89 | Vehicles | Cars, ships, aircraft |
| 90-97 | Instruments & misc | Medical devices, furniture, art |
| 98-99 | Special provisions | Duty-free personal items, repairs |
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong number of digits. For US customs entry, you need the full 10-digit code, not just 6.
- Classifying by use instead of material. The HTS generally classifies by what something is, not what it's for. A plastic phone case is classified under plastics (Chapter 39), not phones (Chapter 85).
- Confusing HS codes with HTS codes. HS codes are 6 digits (international). HTS codes are 8-10 digits (US-specific). You need the HTS code for US import duties.