How to find your HTS code
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) has 99 chapters and thousands of 10-digit lines. Your code sets the duty rate and decides whether Section 301 or 232 tariffs apply. Legally, classification is the importer's responsibility ("reasonable care"), even if a broker files the entry.
Anatomy of an HTS code
9403.60.80.93 → chapter 94 (furniture) · heading 9403 (other furniture) · subheading 9403.60 (other wooden furniture) · 8-digit rate line 9403.60.80 · statistical suffix 93 ("Other"). The first 6 digits are international (HS); digits 7-10 are US-specific.
Step 1: Describe the product precisely
Write down what it is, what it is made of (and in what percentages), how it works, and what it is used for. Classification depends on these facts.
Step 2: Find the chapter and heading
Search the HTS by keyword, then read the section and chapter notes. Under GRI 1, classification is decided by heading texts and legal notes first.
Use our HTS lookup (live USITC data) or hts.usitc.gov. Try material + product ("cotton knitted shirt"), not brand names. If several headings fit, the General Rules of Interpretation decide: most specific description (GRI 3a), then essential character for sets and composite goods (GRI 3b), then the heading that comes last numerically (GRI 3c).
Step 3: Narrow to the 6-, 8- and 10-digit line
Within the heading, compare subheadings at the same level only (GRI 6). Pick the 8-digit rate line and the 10-digit statistical suffix.
Step 4: Check CBP rulings
Search CBP's CROSS database for rulings on similar products to see how CBP classified them.
Search CBP CROSS with your product terms or a candidate code. Rulings are binding only for the requester's product, but show how CBP reasons.
Step 5: Check the extra tariffs
Run the code through a tariff calculator for Section 301, Section 232 and any antidumping/countervailing duty exposure.
Step 6: Confirm with a broker or binding ruling
For high-value or ambiguous products, ask a licensed customs broker, or request a binding ruling from CBP.
Binding rulings are requested through CBP's eRulings system. Misclassification can mean back duties, interest and penalties.
Common mistakes
- Using your supplier's export code. Other countries' codes match only to 6 digits.
- Classifying by use when the heading is by material, or the reverse.
- Ignoring chapter notes that exclude your product.
- Forgetting that a 10-digit statistical line inherits the duty rate of its 8-digit parent.
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