How to Find Your HTS Code: A Beginner’s Guide for Small Importers

Last updated: May 2026 · 11 min read

Before you calculate your landed cost, before you estimate your duty, before you decide whether a product is worth importing — you need one number: your HTS code.

Most new importers treat HTS code research as a formality. They search a term, pick something that looks close, and move on. This is one of the most common and most expensive mistakes in the import process.

The HTS code you use determines your duty rate. A wrong code can mean underpaying duties (a compliance risk) or overpaying them (a margin problem). It affects whether your goods clear customs smoothly or get held for review. And as the importer of record, the classification is your responsibility — not your supplier’s, not your freight forwarder’s.

This guide walks you through how to find a likely HTS code for your product, what to do with it once you have it, and when to stop and ask a licensed customs broker.

What You’ll Learn

• What an HTS code is and how it differs from an HS code
• How to describe your product correctly before you search
• How to use the official USITC search tool step by step
• Common classification mistakes and how to avoid them
• What to do after you find a likely code
• When to ask a customs broker

What Is an HTS Code?

HTS stands for Harmonized Tariff Schedule. It is the system the United States uses to classify every product that can be imported into the country.

Every importable product has an HTS code — a 10-digit number that determines:

• The standard (general) duty rate
• Whether additional tariffs apply (such as Section 301)
• Whether any special trade agreement rates are available
• Whether specific regulations, quotas, or compliance requirements apply

HTS code vs HS code

You may also see the term “HS code” — this refers to the international Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. The first six digits of a US HTS code are based on the international HS system, shared by most countries. The final four digits are specific to the United States and determine the precise duty rate and any additional requirements.

When your supplier provides a “HS code,” they are usually giving you the six-digit international version. This is a useful starting point, but it is not the same as your US HTS code. You need all ten digits.

How the number is structured:

A US HTS code has 10 digits, organized from broad to specific:

Digits 1–2:   Chapter (broad product category)
Digits 3–4:   Heading (narrower category within chapter)
Digits 5–6:   International HS subheading (shared globally)
Digits 7–8:   US tariff rate line (US-specific)
Digits 9–10:  US statistical suffix (US-specific)

The chapter tells you the broad product category. The heading and subheading narrow it down. The US-specific digits determine the exact duty rate. Final classification is always at the 10-digit level.

Before You Search: Describe Your Product Correctly

This is the step most new importers skip — and it is the step that determines whether your search produces a useful result or sends you down the wrong path.

HTS classification is based on what a product is, not just what it is called. Two products with the same name can have completely different HTS codes if they differ in material, intended use, or construction.

Before you open the search tool, write down the following:

Material: What is the product made of? Be specific. “Plastic” is not enough — is it polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS? “Metal” is not enough — is it steel, aluminum, copper, stainless steel? “Fabric” is not enough — is it cotton, polyester, a blend, woven or knitted?

Intended use: What is the product designed to do? A decorative item and a functional item of similar appearance may be classified differently.

Construction and form: Is it a complete item or a component? Is it assembled or unassembled? Does it have electrical components? Does it contain batteries?

Composition: If the product is made of multiple materials, which material predominates by weight or value? For textile products, fiber content percentages matter.

Dimensions and specifications: For some categories (such as wire, tubing, or sheet goods), dimensions affect classification.

The more precisely you can describe your product, the more accurately you can search.

How to Search for an HTS Code on hts.usitc.gov

The official tool for US HTS code research is maintained by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC):

hts.usitc.gov

This is a free, publicly accessible database. You do not need an account.

Step 1: Start with product keywords

Enter a description of your product in the search bar. Use simple, descriptive terms based on material and function — not brand names or marketing language.

Examples:

• “ceramic mug” not “premium coffee cup”
• “cotton tote bag” not “eco shopping bag”
• “stainless steel water bottle” not “hydration flask”

The search returns headings and subheadings that may match your product. You are looking for the description that most accurately fits what your product is, not just what it is called.

Step 2: Read headings and descriptions carefully

Each result shows a chapter, heading, and subheading with a written description. Read the descriptions carefully — do not just match keywords.

HTS descriptions use precise language. “Of a kind used in the household” means something different from “of a kind used commercially.” “Containing by weight 85 percent or more” is a specific threshold that determines whether a product falls into one subheading or another.

If a description includes terms you are not sure about, look them up before selecting that code.

Step 3: Narrow to the most specific 10-digit code

Start broad and work toward the most specific applicable subheading. The HTS schedule is organized from general to specific — the more specific subheading usually applies when it fits your product accurately.

For products that could fit multiple descriptions, the HTS has General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs) that provide a structured method for choosing between alternatives. If two descriptions seem equally applicable after careful reading, that is a signal to consult a customs broker.

Step 4: Check the General duty rate

Once you have identified a likely 10-digit code, look at the “General” column. This is the standard duty rate that applies to your product regardless of origin country. Note this rate — you will need it for your landed cost calculation.

The General duty rate should be checked on the specific 10-digit line you choose, not assumed from the broader heading.

What to Copy Into Your Notes

When you find a likely result, save:

• The full 10-digit HTS code
• The written description you matched to your product
• The General duty rate
• Any special notes or footnotes shown near that line
• The date you checked the code
• A screenshot or the URL for your own records

Example Walkthrough: Ceramic Coffee Mug

This walkthrough shows the research process, not a final classification decision. It is for educational purposes only. Final classification depends on your exact product details and should be verified before use.

Product: A ceramic coffee mug, sold individually, intended for household use.

Product description prepared:

• Material: ceramic (earthenware)
• Use: drinking vessel, household
• Construction: complete, no electrical components
• No battery, no textile content

Search on hts.usitc.gov: “ceramic mug”

Results to evaluate:

• Chapter 69 covers ceramic products
• Heading 6912 covers “Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles”
• Subheadings distinguish by type of ceramic (porcelain vs. other)

Key material question: Is this product made of porcelain or other ceramic?

• Porcelain (including bone china) falls under a different subheading than other ceramics (such as earthenware or stoneware)
• This distinction affects the duty rate

Outcome of the search: The likely heading is 6912, with the specific subheading depending on whether the product is porcelain or other ceramic. The correct 10-digit code must be confirmed at the subheading level.

What this example illustrates:

• The search term “ceramic mug” gets you to the right chapter quickly
• Material specifics (porcelain vs. other ceramic) determine the final subheading
• A supplier who provides “6912” as the HS code is giving you only six digits — you still need to identify the correct US 10-digit subheading
• Two mugs that look identical can have different HTS codes if their ceramic composition differs

Common HTS Classification Mistakes

Using a supplier-provided code without checking
Suppliers often include an HS code on commercial invoices or in product listings. This can be a useful starting point, but it may be based on export classification rather than US import classification, it may be outdated, or it may simply be incorrect. As importer of record, correct classification is your responsibility.

Choosing by product name only
“Bottle” can be classified under glass, plastic, metal, or other materials — in completely different HTS chapters. Classification is based on what the product is made of and how it is used, not what it is called.

Ignoring material
A cotton tote bag and a polyester tote bag are classified differently. A stainless steel water bottle and an aluminum water bottle may be classified differently. Material is often the primary classification criterion.

Ignoring intended use
A decorative ceramic bowl and a functional ceramic bowl may be classified differently. Intended use matters and should match what is stated on your commercial invoice.

Assuming another importer’s code applies to your product
A similar-looking product can have a different classification if the material, dimensions, or construction differs. Do not copy HTS codes from other sellers’ listings, forums, or articles without verifying the description matches your specific product.

Treating multi-material or set products as simple
A product combining multiple materials or a set of items may have specific classification rules. These situations often benefit from broker review.

What to Do After You Find a Likely HTS Code

Step 1: Record the General duty rate
Note the percentage from the “General” column. This applies to most imports regardless of origin.

Step 2: Check Section 301 status
Many China-origin goods face additional Section 301 tariffs on top of the general rate. These are commonly checked by HTS subheading, and the applicable rate depends on the current Section 301 action, modification, and exclusion status.

After identifying your likely HTS code, verify whether it appears on current Section 301 resources using USTR and CBP guidance. Do not assume a rate you read in an article is still current — verify directly from official sources.

→ For a full overview of Section 301 and tariff risk, see: The 2026 Tariff Survival Guide for Small Importers

Step 3: Check AD/CVD risk
For products in categories such as certain steel, aluminum, chemicals, solar-related goods, or other products covered by current AD/CVD cases — check the CBP AD/CVD database. Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are separate from both the General rate and Section 301, and can be very high for affected products.

Step 4: Use the rates in your landed cost calculation
With the General duty rate and any applicable Section 301 rate in hand, calculate the duty component of your landed cost.

→ How to Calculate Landed Cost for Imports from China

HTS Code Research Record

When you find a likely HTS code, do not just copy the number into a spreadsheet. Save your reasoning.

This record helps you track what you searched, which codes you considered, why you chose one over another, and whether broker review is needed. It also helps if you reorder the same product later — you have a documented starting point rather than starting from scratch.

When to Ask a Licensed Customs Broker

HTS classification for straightforward products is something most importers can research as a starting point. But there are situations where professional review is worth the cost:

Classification is genuinely uncertain — If two or more subheadings seem equally applicable and you cannot determine which is correct from the written descriptions.

The product is complex — Multi-material products, sets, products with multiple functions, or products combining regulated and unregulated components.

The order value is significant — The larger the order, the higher the cost of a classification error. A pre-import classification review typically costs less than the error it prevents.

The product falls into a high-risk category — Electronics, children’s products, textiles, steel and aluminum goods, food contact materials, or products subject to specific agency regulations (CPSC, FDA, FCC).

AD/CVD exposure is possible — If your product category is commonly subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties, broker review before ordering can prevent significant unexpected costs.

HTS Code Research Checklist

• ☐ I described my product by material, intended use, and construction — not just by name
• ☐ I searched hts.usitc.gov using descriptive terms
• ☐ I read the full heading and subheading descriptions, not just matched keywords
• ☐ I identified the most specific applicable 10-digit code
• ☐ I noted the General duty rate for that code
• ☐ I verified whether a Section 301 tariff applies to this HTS code
• ☐ I considered whether AD/CVD risk applies to my product category
• ☐ I completed an HTS Code Research Record for this product
• ☐ I recorded the date I checked the HTS code and duty rate
• ☐ If classification is uncertain, I have consulted or will consult a licensed customs broker before ordering

Your Next Step

Once you have a likely HTS code and General duty rate, put those numbers to work.

Use the free Landed Cost Calculator to estimate your real per-unit cost — product price, freight, duty, brokerage, and delivery — before you place any order.

→ Use the Landed Cost Calculator →

Need the bigger tariff picture first?
→ The 2026 Tariff Survival Guide for Small Importers →

Educational content only — not legal, tax, or customs advice. HTS classification is a formal customs compliance matter. Rates, classifications, and trade remedy programs change. Always verify current information at hts.usitc.gov and cbp.gov. Consult a licensed customs broker for classification questions specific to your product.