How do I find the HTS code for a product?
Short answer
Start from what the product is and is made of, find its chapter in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (hts.usitc.gov), narrow to the 4-digit heading and 6-digit subheading using the headings' exact wording and the chapter notes, then pick the 8-digit US tariff line (which sets the duty rate) and the 10-digit statistical suffix. For a binding answer, US Customs (CBP) issues free rulings; search past rulings in CROSS.
- Describe the product precisely: what it is, what it does, what it is made of (for example "smartphone", not "electronics").
- Search hts.usitc.gov by keyword and read the chapter and section notes for the chapters that come up.
- Choose the heading (4 digits) and subheading (6 digits) whose wording fits; the first 6 digits are the same worldwide.
- Choose the US 8-digit line, which sets the general duty rate, then the 10-digit suffix for reporting.
- Check extra duties: Section 301 for many goods from China, plus any other trade remedies.
- Search CBP's CROSS rulings database for the same product to confirm.
Copy-paste code
Look up a code's rate and Section 301 status (Dutyfinch, free tier, no key)
# search by keyword
curl "https://dutyfinch.cybermaxtools.com/api/search?q=bluetooth+speaker&limit=5"
# one code: official duty rates + Section 301 list status
curl "https://dutyfinch.cybermaxtools.com/api/hts?code=8517.13.00"Good to know
Classification follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1-6) at the start of the schedule; GRI 1 says the heading text and notes come first.
This is general information for importers, not a customs ruling or legal advice.
Dutyfinch API: Every US duty rate and China tariff, one call
from $5Dutyfinch is a US tariff API and MCP server: HTS lookup and keyword search with official duty rates and Section 301 China list status; Pro adds alerts when a watched code changes. Free: 50 calls a day.
Secure checkout · 14-day fix-or-refund if it doesn't work as described (terms)Questions
Is HTS the same as HS code?
The first 6 digits are the international HS code; the US adds digits 7-10.
Who decides the final code?
The importer is responsible; CBP can issue a binding ruling if you ask.
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Copy-paste calls for 4 APIs with free daily tiers (CVE priority, VIN recalls, US duty rates, email checks), then 5 short emails on KEV/EPSS, MCP and free data.