HTS Code Lookup: How to Find the Right Harmonized Tariff Code for Your Product

Before your goods arrive at a U.S. port of entry, every product needs a 10-digit HTS code — the number that determines your import duty rate, trade restrictions, and whether your goods need clearance from the FDA, USDA, or other agencies. Getting it right saves money and prevents delays. Getting it wrong can trigger penalties and audits.

Here’s exactly how to find the right code.

What Is an HTS Code?

An HTS code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule code) is a 10-digit number that classifies imported goods for U.S. Customs. The structure:

HTS Code:  6302.91.00.20
           ├── 63         → Chapter (Textile articles)
           ├── 6302       → Heading (Bed, table, toilet linen)
           ├── 6302.91    → Subheading (Of cotton)
           ├── 6302.91.00 → 8-digit statistical suffix
           └── 6302.91.00.20 → 10-digit U.S. statistical annotation

The first 6 digits are harmonized internationally (190+ countries use the same codes). The last 4 digits are U.S.-specific, added by the International Trade Commission to further refine duty rates and statistical tracking.

The Official Lookup Tool: hts.usitc.gov

The authoritative source for all U.S. HTS codes is the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC):

→ hts.usitc.gov

It’s free, updated annually, and is the same reference your customs broker uses. Here’s how to navigate it.

Step-by-Step: How to Look Up an HTS Code

Step 1: Start with a Keyword Search

On hts.usitc.gov, use the search bar with a product description keyword — be specific.

Good searches: “cotton t-shirts men”, “lithium ion batteries”, “fresh avocados” Bad searches: “clothing”, “batteries”, “fruit”

The search returns matching headings and subheadings. Note: the search tool is helpful but imperfect — you must still verify your result against the full tariff text.

Step 2: Navigate to the Correct Chapter

The HTSUS is organized into 21 Sections and 99 Chapters. Each chapter covers a category of goods. If keyword search isn’t giving clean results, browse manually:

Step 3: Read the Section and Chapter Notes

This is the most important step most people skip. Every Section and Chapter in the HTSUS includes legal notes that define what is and isn’t included. These notes override the plain text descriptions.

Example: Chapter 85 covers “electrical machinery.” But Chapter Note 1 explicitly excludes certain goods that seem electrical but belong in other chapters. If your product is in an excluded category, classifying it in Chapter 85 is wrong — regardless of what it looks like.

Always read:

• Section Notes (apply to all chapters in that section)
• Chapter Notes (apply to all headings in that chapter)
• Subheading Notes (when present, apply to specific subheadings)

Step 4: Apply the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs)

When the right classification isn’t obvious, CBP uses the 6 General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs) in order:

For most everyday products, GRI 1 resolves the classification. GRI 3 is the most frequently litigated.

Step 5: Find the 10-Digit Subheading

Once you’ve identified the correct 8-digit subheading, add the 2-digit statistical suffix for the 10-digit HTS code. The suffix is typically listed right below the 8-digit level in the tariff.

Confirm the duty rate shown in the “General” column (column 1). This is the MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rate applied to goods from WTO member countries.

Step 6: Check for Additional Tariffs

For Chinese-origin goods, check Section 301 tariff lists (Lists 1, 2, 3, and 4A) published by USTR. These add 7.5%–25% on top of the standard duty rate.

For goods subject to antidumping (ADD) or countervailing duty (CVD) orders, check the ADD/CVD database at enforcement.trade.gov/adcvd. These can be enormous — sometimes 200–400% of value.

Common Classification Mistakes

1. Classifying by material instead of product function A steel bracket used in a machine might seem like it belongs in Chapter 73 (iron and steel) but actually belongs in Chapter 84 (machinery parts) if it’s essential to the machine’s function.

2. Ignoring Chapter Notes The most expensive mistake. Notes can completely reroute what seems like an obvious classification.

3. Using a supplier’s HTS code without verification Overseas suppliers often provide HS codes for their country’s export tariff — these differ from U.S. import HTS codes at the 7–10 digit level and sometimes at the 6-digit level too. Always verify independently.

4. Not checking for FTA eligibility Under USMCA, qualifying goods from Mexico or Canada may be duty-free — but the rules of origin are product-specific. Your broker should verify FTA eligibility for every applicable shipment.

When to Get a Binding Ruling

If you’re importing a product at scale and aren’t certain of the correct HTS code, consider requesting a CBP binding ruling. CBP will officially classify your product in writing, and that ruling is legally binding on CBP for future entries.

• No fee to request (but preparation takes time)
• Decision typically takes 30–90 days
• Submit via the CBP CROSS database or through your customs broker
• Binding on CBP, not just advisory

A binding ruling is especially valuable for: high-volume products, goods with Section 301 tariff implications, and products at the intersection of two or more plausible chapters.

Tools and Resources

Bottom Line

The right HTS code starts with a keyword search on hts.usitc.gov, then careful reading of the section and chapter notes, and finally a confirmation of the duty rate and any additional tariffs. When in doubt — especially for high-value, high-volume, or regulated products — have a licensed customs broker or trade attorney review your classification.

A misclassification that goes undetected for years can result in a massive CBP duty assessment with interest and penalties. The cost of getting it right upfront is always less than the cost of getting it wrong.