HS code (Harmonized System code)

Definition

An HS code is the number that identifies a product in the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, the international product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The WCO describes more than 5,000 commodity groups, each identified by a six-digit code, used by more than 200 countries and economies as the basis for their customs tariffs and trade statistics¹. Countries extend the six digits with national digits: the EU's Combined Nomenclature uses 8-digit codes², and the UK Trade Tariff lists 10-digit commodity codes³.

In practice

The six digits break down into a two-digit chapter, a four-digit heading and a six-digit subheading. For a knitted cotton T-shirt, that is Chapter 61, heading 61.09 and subheading 6109.10⁴. The same product appears as 61091000 in Bangladesh Customs' operative tariff⁵ and as 6109100010 in the UK Trade Tariff³. The numbers agree on the first six digits and differ after that, which is why UK guidance tells importers to check a code supplied by an overseas supplier before relying on it⁶.

In an order from Bangladesh, the HS code comes up at several points. You may see it on a supplier's product listing, in a quotation or on shipping paperwork. It goes on your import declaration⁶. On Exportain, product listings can show an HS code next to the category and in the Overview table⁷, and category pages label their HS code lists "HS 2022 heading — not verified by Exportain"⁸. Treat any code from a listing or supplier as a starting point, not a classification decision.

Duty depends on the code. UK guidance explains that the commodity code works out the rate of customs duty and import VAT and any preferential rate, and shows whether a license, anti-dumping duties or tariff quotas apply⁶. A wrong code can mean paying the wrong duty or missing an import requirement. The code is also tied to an edition: HS 2022 took effect on 1 January 2022, and the WCO has announced HS 2028 for 1 January 2028^{9 10}.

If the classification is not clear, ask a customs broker, or apply for an advance ruling where your customs authority offers one. The WCO describes advance rulings as legally binding decisions on classification given before goods are imported or exported¹¹.

Related terms

• HS codes: how to classify your product before you import — the step-by-step guide

• Landed cost: how to calculate the real cost of goods from Bangladesh — where the duty rate for your code fits into the total cost

• MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) — another term to check in every quotation