HS code: the international 6-digit standard
The Harmonized System (HS) code is a 6-digit international standard maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Every WCO member country uses the same 6-digit HS code for the same product. The first 2 digits are the chapter (e.g., 85 = electrical equipment), the next 2 are the heading (e.g., 8504 = static converters), and the last 2 are the subheading (e.g., 8504.40 = static converters, other).
- 6 digits: international standard used by all WCO members
- Maintained by the World Customs Organization
- Used for trade statistics, documentation, and international reference
- The same HS code applies to the same product in every country
Tariff code: the country-specific 8-10 digit extension
A tariff code is the country-specific extension of the HS code, typically 8-10 digits. Countries add national subdivisions to the 6-digit HS code to set duty rates, apply trade measures, and collect statistics. For example, in the US, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) extends the 6-digit HS to 10 digits. The EU uses the Combined Nomenclature (CN) with 8 digits. The UK uses the UK Trade Tariff with 10 digits.
- 8-10 digits: country-specific extension of the HS code
- US HTS: 10 digits (e.g., 8504.40.95.40)
- EU CN: 8 digits (e.g., 8504 40 95)
- UK Trade Tariff: 10 digits (e.g., 8504 40 9500)
- Used to calculate duty and apply trade measures
When to use HS code vs tariff code
Use a six-digit HS code as the international starting point for product research and supplier communication when that is the level requested. Use the full national tariff or commodity code when the destination authority, carrier, marketplace, broker, or duty calculation requires that market-specific level. The exact document field and digit length vary by destination, so do not treat a six-digit candidate as a completed entry code.
- Supplier invoices: use 6-digit HS code
- Cross-border trade documents: use 6-digit HS code
- US customs entry: use 10-digit HTS code
- EU customs entry: use 8-digit CN code
- UK customs entry: use 10-digit UK Trade Tariff code
- Duty calculation: use the full national tariff code
How HS code and tariff code work together
The six-digit HS structure is the foundation used for international nomenclature. Countries or customs territories can add national subdivisions after that foundation to support their own duty rates, measures, and statistical needs. Treat the examples below as a way to understand the relationship, not as a code recommendation for a specific charger or product variant.
- HS 8504.40 → US HTS 8504.40.95.40
- HS 8504.40 → EU CN 8504 40 95
- HS 8504.40 → UK Trade Tariff 8504 40 9500
- The first 6 digits are always the same
- National extensions add duty rates and trade measures
Common confusion: HS code, HTS code, and tariff code
These labels are often used loosely in catalog exports and supplier messages, but they do not always refer to the same field. HS code normally means the six-digit international level. HTS is commonly used for the United States schedule. Tariff code is a broader label for a destination-specific code. Before copying a value from a supplier file, ask which destination it was researched for and whether it is a candidate or a verified national code.
- HS code: 6-digit international standard
- HTS code: 10-digit US extension (Harmonized Tariff Schedule)
- CN code: 8-digit EU extension (Combined Nomenclature)
- Tariff code: general term for the country-specific code
- Always verify which code is needed for the destination
Ecommerce example
A Shopify seller imports USB-C chargers from China to the United States. The supplier provides a six-digit HS reference for a static converter. The seller still needs to compare the actual product facts, origin, and destination entry requirements against the current US tariff schedule before using a full national code in a duty estimate or entry. A charger’s power rating, included cable, retail set status, and other facts can matter.
How to use this in TariffCatalog
TariffCatalog provides 6-digit HS code candidates as preparation aids. Before filing or shipping, verify the full national tariff code in the destination tariff database. Use the AI HS Code Finder for candidates, then cross-reference with the destination source.
- Use the AI HS Code Finder for 6-digit HS code candidates
- Verify the full national code in the destination tariff (USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff)
- Use the Import Duty Calculator with the full national code
- Document the candidate HS code and the verified national code in the same record