CONSULTING SERVICES
IMPORT WITH CONFIDENCE
Book Your Session
Copy URL to Clipboard
Finding your Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code is a critical step in the import process into the United States. HTS Codes are required by importers into the U.S. to accurately classify products and assess tariffs. Unfortunately, determining the correct HTS code can be a challenge, especially for new importers. Thankfully, there are tools and resources available to use.
A licensed customs broker can look up your HTS code with pinpoint accuracy. This is the best way to ensure you use the correct HTS code, tariff classification, and duty rates when importing your goods. You can also use an HTS code lookup tool to search your item by name or description, or consult a CBP official.
If you’re importing an item into the U.S., it’s imperative that you know your HTS code so that you can avoid fines, import delays and seizure of your products. Our guide below explores the various resources that can be used to find your HTS code. Additionally, we explain which resource is best to use based on your experience level and more.
When importing an item, there are three primary resources you can use to find your HTS number:
A licensed customs broker can provide direct answers and personalized assistance, but you’ll likely need to pay for their services. Harmonized tariff code lookup tools are handy and free, but they require you to do all the work yourself – which, while possible, can be difficult and risky unless you know exactly what you’re doing. CBP officials can also offer binding rulings to ensure that you are using the correct HTS code.
A licensed customs broker may cost a little money up front, but it’s a worthwhile investment for importers. Brokers offer expert assistance and can provide you with peace of mind that your information is accurate.
Licensed customs brokers and import consultants are familiar with all the ins and outs of the customs clearance process. With their expertise, they can look up the HTS code of your product and provide you with a binding ruling on tariff classification. Once you have that information, you’ll know exactly what duty is owed on your products and the specific government regulations they’re required to abide by.
Finding the correct HTS code for shipping can be complicated and confusing, but consulting with a licensed customs broker can help simplify the process and ensure that you’re only using correct information.
If you’re set on finding your HTS code without assistance, the best way to find it is by using an HTS lookup tool.
To find your HTS code, simply use the free search function found on the USITC’s website, or search via USA Customs Clearance’s HTS code lookup tool. Using the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), you can input an item or keyword into the search bar and the tool will pull up a list of potential matches and their corresponding codes.
Worried about the Strict Regulations? Ask Our Experts.
Our 30 Minute Licensed Expert Consulting Will Personally Guide You.
If you’ve tried to find the HTS code for a certain product yourself, but are still having difficulty identifying the correct code, you can reach out to CBP and request a binding ruling. The ruling that CBP gives you is a final determination, so you can be sure you are using the correct HTS code for your import entries.
You can also speak with CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE). The CEE is divided up by industry and is able to offer you advisory classification on your products. While this is not a binding ruling on tariff and product classification, it should give you a better idea of how to classify your products.
The difference between an HS code and HTS code comes down to where the code is used and the total amount of digits that make up the commodity number. HTS codes are used to import goods into the U.S., specifically. HS codes are used globally and are accepted by all member countries of the WCO. HS codes makes up the first 6 digs of an HTS code.
You can find your HS code by using an HS code lookup tool or by speaking to a licensed customs broker. If you already know your HTS code, you can simply use the first 6 digits of your commodity number to get your HS code.
Registered businesses can also use a free HS code lookup tool on the Customs Info Database to complete your HS search. Once you find your 6 digit HS code, you can also find your import duty associated with that HS code to import and export around the world. An HS code for export from the U.S. is also required in addition to a Schedule B code.
Providing the correct HTS code on your import entries and ISF filings is critical to engaging in international trade. Failing to do so, or providing the wrong code, can affect things like your product’s duty rates, government requirements, tariff reductions and anti-dumping orders.
Not knowing your HTS code can result in you paying too much or too little in customs duty, neither of which is a good thing. If you pay too little, you’ll be required to file a Post-Entry Amendment (PEA) to pay any additional duties owed. If not, you’ll receive additional fines from CBP on top of the remaining amount that you owe.
If you pay too much, it’s also possible to request a PEA to request a refund. This can be done until the entry is liquidated (typically 315 days after entry), after which you will have to file an administrative protest, which can be done up to 180 days after the entry’s liquidation.
Other issues you might face due to providing the wrong HTS code include import delays, seizure of products and denied imports. As a shipper, you are liable for any issues that are caused by providing incorrect HTS information, so it’s imperative that the codes you provide are accurate.
Keep in mind that by working through a customs broker, you can easily avoid these costly delays and potential fines.
Navigating the commercial import process and finding the correct HTS code can be complicated and confusing no matter how experienced you are. It can also lead to significant penalties if done wrong.
USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, can provide you with access to a licensed customs broker capable of walking you through the entire import process. You can schedule a personalized, 1-on-1 consulting session for as low as $298. Our experts take the guesswork out of the situation, guaranteeing that you’ll have accurate information on tariff classification, duty requirements, government restrictions and more.
Speak with one of our consultants or give us a call at (855) 912-0406 and get help finding your HTS codes today.
Find your HTS codes and get accurate tariff classification and duty rates for every item in your shipment.
Speak to one of our Licensed Customs Consultants today!
Copy URL to Clipboard
I need HS TARIFF CODE ON MY TOY SWORDS CONTROLLER?
need hts#b# code for music cd
Trouble looking for a HS code for a McDonald’s novelty plastic reusable drinking cup/squeeze bottle.
I would like to sell battery packs for electric scooters to Indonesia. I want to know HS-CODE.
Hi, I am staying in Dar es salaam Tanzania.I was told by a friend that HS Code 4802.55.00 was 25% but recently it was amended and reduced to 10% kindly let me know if it is true, and if you can share the amended regulation
hi, im enquiring on hs code for windsocks