HS Code

An HS Code is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It uses a six-digit code system to identify more than 5,000 commodity groups and is used by countries worldwide to uniformly identify products for assessing duties and gathering statistics. Air cargo shipments require HS codes on shipping documents to ensure uniform customs clearance and prevent delays. Individual countries expand the basic six-digit HS code to 8-10 digits for their national tariff systems, such as the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) which uses 10-digit codes.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment carrying AWB number 020-12345678 transporting 500 cotton t-shirts from Frankfurt to Los Angeles would use HS code 610910 (the first six digits) which classifies "T-shirts and other vests, knitted or crocheted, of cotton." FedEx Express shipment AWB 023-87654321 carrying electronic smartphones from Hong Kong to New York would require HS code 851712 for "Telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks."

• harmonized system code
• tariff code
• commodity code
• HTS code
• HS tariff code

How many digits are in a standard HS code and what do they represent?

A standard HS code contains six digits arranged in three pairs: the first two digits represent the chapter (broad commodity group), the next two represent the heading (specific product category), and the final two represent the subheading (detailed product classification). Countries may extend this to 8-10 digits for national tariff purposes, with the U.S. using 10-digit HTS codes.

Where can shippers find the correct HS code for their air cargo shipments?

The U.S. Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) database provides official, legally binding HS code classifications, and the Census Bureau offers a free Schedule B search engine at the US Census Bureau's Schedule B Website. The World Customs Organization provides official search tools, and the WCO Trade Tools database contains the legal text of the Harmonized System.