What is the Harmonized System?

The Harmonized System (HS) is the World Customs Organization's standard for classifying traded goods. It uses a 6-digit code recognized by over 200 countries, organized into 21 sections and 99 chapters, and underpins customs tariffs and trade statistics worldwide.

How does an HS code break down?

The first 2 digits are the chapter, the next 2 the heading, and the next 2 the subheading, giving the internationally common 6-digit code. Countries then add their own digits for tariffs, so a full national code is often 8 or 10 digits.

Why is chapter 77 reserved?

Chapter 77 is intentionally left blank, reserved by the World Customs Organization for possible future use. Chapters 98 and 99 are reserved for national use, so countries assign them their own special classifications.

How do I find the right chapter for a product?

Identify the product's material and form, then search for the closest chapter here. Classification follows the General Rules of Interpretation, which favor the most specific description and the material that gives the product its essential character.

Is the chapter enough for customs?

No. The 2-digit chapter only points you to the right area. You must extend it to at least the 6-digit subheading using the full tariff schedule, and add national digits, before declaring goods at customs.

HS Code Chapter Reference

Email me this result

Get this tool's output sent to your inbox, plus one useful tool a week. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

The Harmonized System organises every traded product into 99 chapters grouped under 21 sections. This reference lets you search those chapters by keyword or number so you can find where a product sits before drilling into the full 6-digit tariff code.

How it works

An HS code reads from chapter down to national detail:

0 9 0 1 . 2 1
^^         chapter 09  (Coffee, tea, mate, spices)
^^^^       heading 0901 (Coffee)
^^^^.^^    subheading 0901.21 (Roasted, not decaffeinated)

This tool covers the first level — the 2-digit chapter — and shows the section it belongs to (sections group related chapters, e.g. Section IV covers prepared foodstuffs and beverages in chapters 16-24). From the right chapter you extend to the 6-digit subheading in the full tariff schedule.

Tips and examples

Classification uses the General Rules of Interpretation: pick the most specific heading, and when a product is a mix, the material giving its essential character usually decides.
Chapter 77 is deliberately empty (reserved); chapters 98-99 are for each country’s own special uses.
Live animals are chapter 01, their meat is chapter 02, and prepared meat is chapter 16 — the same input moves chapters as it is processed.