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HTS Classification Engine

AI-Powered Tariff Code Classification

Describe your product and our AI cross-references the full HTS schedule, CBP binding rulings, and WCO notes to suggest 10-digit codes for educational reference. Results must be verified by a licensed customs broker before importing.

What Is HTS Classification?

Every product imported into the United States must be assigned a 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code before it clears US Customs and Border Protection. That 10-digit number determines your import duty rate, which trade agreements apply (USMCA, CAFTA, GSP), whether Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods add 7.5%–145% on top of the base rate, and which government agencies must review your shipment. A single misclassified digit can mean the difference between a 0% duty and a 25% duty on the same physical product.

The US Harmonized Tariff Schedule contains over 17,000 tariff lines organized across 97 chapters and 22 sections. Finding the right 10-digit code requires applying the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1–6), reading section and chapter notes, and cross-referencing CBP binding rulings from the CROSS database. A licensed customs broker typically spends 15–30 minutes classifying a single product. This tool compresses that process into seconds by running your product description against the full USITC HTS schedule and surfacing the top 3 candidate codes with applicable duty rates.

How 10-digit HTS codes work: Digits 1–6 are the internationally standardized HS code used by 200+ countries. Digits 7–8 are US-specific subheadings that narrow classification further. Digits 9–10 are statistical suffixes required on all US Customs entry documents (CBP Form 7501). Only the full 10-digit code triggers the correct duty rate, Section 301 status check, and trade agreement eligibility evaluation.

In 2026, accurate classification is more consequential than ever. The IEEPA universal baseline tariff (10%), Section 301 China tariffs (up to 145%), and Section 232 steel/aluminum duties all operate at the HTS-code level. Some headings have IEEPA exclusions; others do not. A product that qualifies under Chapter 90 (medical instruments) instead of Chapter 84 (machinery) may save 15–25 percentage points in effective duty rate — but only if classified correctly. This tool flags Section 301 applicability, IEEPA baseline status, and USMCA/FTA eligibility for every code it returns.

Important: Results are for educational reference only. HTS codes must be confirmed by a licensed customs broker before use on a commercial import entry. Incorrect classification is the importer's legal responsibility under 19 U.S.C. § 1484.

Frequently Asked Questions — HTS Classification

What is an HTS code?

An HTS code is a 10-digit number from the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule that identifies the specific classification of an imported product. It determines the base customs duty rate, trade agreement eligibility, and whether additional tariffs (Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA) apply. All US imports must declare a valid 10-digit HTS code on the CBP Entry Summary (Form 7501).

How do I find my tariff code?

Describe your product above — include materials, function, and end use — and the AI will cross-reference the full USITC HTS schedule to return the top 3 candidate codes with duty rates. You can also search hts.usitc.gov directly or check CBP's CROSS ruling database for binding rulings on similar products. For complex or high-value goods, consult a licensed customs broker.

Is AI classification legally binding?

No. AI-generated HTS classifications are for educational reference only. Only CBP binding rulings (obtained through the CROSS database) are legally enforceable. However, AI classification is highly accurate for straightforward products and provides a strong starting point that reduces the time a licensed customs broker needs to confirm the final code.

What happens if I use the wrong HTS code?

CBP penalties for negligent misclassification range from 2× to 4× the lost duty revenue. Intentional misclassification is treated as fraud and carries criminal exposure. Beyond penalties, incorrect codes cause shipment delays, denial of FTA preferential rates, and incorrect Section 301 duty application. For China-origin goods especially, a wrong code can mean paying 145% instead of 7.5% — or vice versa.

How many HTS codes are in the US tariff schedule?

The US Harmonized Tariff Schedule contains over 17,000 unique 10-digit tariff lines across 97 chapters, maintained by the US International Trade Commission (USITC). The schedule is updated annually with interim modifications published in the Federal Register throughout the year. Major revisions — such as the 2026 IEEPA tariff actions — can affect thousands of lines simultaneously.

SEEK EXPERT ADVICE — AI-generated output for informational purposes only. Not legal, tax, or customs brokerage advice. Consult a licensed professional before acting.

VERIFIED — USITC Duty rates from official HTS database  ·  ESTIMATE AI-generated classifications & recommendations  ·  LAST UPDATED: April 2026
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AI-generated classifications for educational reference only. Not a CBP ruling or customs broker determination. Full legal terms on AI Disclaimer and Terms of Service.

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What Is HTS Classification?

Every product imported into the United States must be assigned a 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code before it can clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The HTS code determines the import duty rate, which trade agreements apply, whether antidumping or countervailing duties are owed, and which government agencies must review the shipment. An incorrect HTS code can result in underpayment of duties (a customs violation), overpayment of duties (money left on the table), delayed clearance, or outright seizure of goods.

The HTS is published by the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and updated periodically. It contains over 17,000 tariff lines organized into 97 chapters. Finding the right 10-digit code requires navigating the General Rules of Interpretation, section notes, chapter notes, and additional US notes — a process that typically takes a licensed customs broker 15–30 minutes per product. This tool accelerates that process by cross-referencing the full schedule against your product description.

Who Should Use an HTS Classification Tool?

HTS classification affects anyone who imports goods commercially into the US. Primary use cases:

How the AI Classification Works

The classifier uses the following process to generate HTS code suggestions:

  1. Parse the product description for material composition, function, end use, and manufacturing method — the four key attributes CBP uses to determine classification.
  2. Cross-reference the HTS schedule from the 4-digit heading level down to the 10-digit statistical suffix, applying chapter notes and section notes at each level.
  3. Check CBP binding rulings — the official CBP ruling database contains over 400,000 prior classification decisions. Similar products with binding rulings are surfaced as reference precedents.
  4. Apply General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1–6) — the internationally standardized rules that govern how ambiguous classifications are resolved.
  5. Return top 3 candidate codes with confidence levels, applicable duty rates, and any Section 301 / Section 232 surcharge implications.

Important: AI classification results are for educational reference only. All HTS codes must be reviewed and confirmed by a licensed customs broker or customs attorney before use in a commercial import entry. Incorrect classification is the importer's legal responsibility.

Common HTS Classification Questions

What's the difference between a 6-digit and 10-digit HTS code?

The first 6 digits are the internationally harmonized code used in 200+ countries. The 7th–10th digits are US-specific and determine the precise duty rate, statistical category, and any additional duty applicability. CBP requires all 10 digits on formal entry documents (CBP Form 3461 and 7501).

Can I get a binding ruling from CBP?

Yes. CBP's CROSS (Customs Rulings Online Search System) database contains binding rulings that importers can request. A binding ruling is legally enforceable — CBP must honor it when clearing your shipment. Requests take 30–90 days. For products where classification is genuinely ambiguous or high-value, a binding ruling is the only way to eliminate classification risk entirely.

How do Section 301 tariffs affect classification?

Section 301 additional duties apply to Chinese-origin goods based on HTS code. The same physical product can have dramatically different effective duty rates depending on its classification — sometimes the difference between a correctly and incorrectly classified product is 7.5% vs. 25% vs. 145%. Classification accuracy is especially critical for China-origin goods.

Related Tools

Landed Cost Calculator — Once you have your HTS code, calculate total import cost including all duties and fees. · Compliance Checker — Screen for AD/CVD, OFAC, and CBP enforcement flags. · China Section 301 Tariffs — Check which HTS codes are subject to Section 301. · Electronics Import Guide — HTS chapters 84–85 tariff reference.

Import Guides by Product & Country

Know your HTS code? Jump directly to the corridor guide for duty rates, compliance requirements, and landed cost estimates.

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DATA CURRENT AS OF MAY 2026

Why HTS Classification Matters for Duty Rates

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States is a 10-digit classification system that determines the applicable duty rate for every imported product. Classification is not optional — it determines whether you pay 0% or 25% on your shipment, whether Section 301 tariffs apply, and whether FTA preferential rates are available. Getting it wrong creates financial exposure in two directions: overpayment (leaving duty savings unclaimed) and underpayment (triggering CBP penalty assessments).

In the April 2026 IEEPA tariff environment, correct classification is even more consequential. Many products have HTS-level exclusions from Section 301 or IEEPA universal baseline tariffs. For example, certain medical devices (HTS Chapter 90) and pharmaceutical products (Chapter 30) have been granted IEEPA exclusions not available to Chapter 84 or 85 machinery classifications. A product that could be classified under either Chapter 84 or Chapter 90 might face a 10% duty difference depending on which classification CBP accepts.

The GRI (General Rules of Interpretation) governs classification disputes. GRI 1 requires classification based on the terms of headings and notes. GRI 3 applies when goods could potentially be classified under multiple headings — the specific vs. general, essential character, and numeric order rules apply in sequence. Classification rulings from CBP (NY and HQ Rulings) establish binding precedents that importers can rely on, but only for goods that are "substantially identical" to the ruled product.

Our AI classifier provides HTS code recommendations based on product descriptions and country of origin. For high-volume or high-value shipments, we recommend obtaining a binding ruling from CBP before your first entry — it provides legal certainty that protects against retroactive duty assessments. See the $19 Tariff Exposure Report for alternative classification analysis with lower-rate options for your specific product.

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