You'll often see both HS codes and HTS codes mentioned in import/export documentation. They're related, but they're not the same thing. Here's exactly how they differ and when you need each one.
HS Codes: The International Standard
The Harmonized System (HS) is an international product classification system maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It is used by over 200 countries and covers more than 5,000 commodity groups.
HS codes are 6 digits long, structured as:
- 2 digits — Chapter
- 2 digits — Heading
- 2 digits — Subheading
For example, the HS code for fresh salmon is 030211. This code means the same thing in the U.S., the EU, Japan, and Brazil.
HTS Codes: The U.S. Extension
The United States takes the international 6-digit HS code and extends it to 10 digits to add more specificity. These extended codes are called HTS codes (Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes).
- The first 6 digits match the international HS code
- Digits 7–8 are the U.S.-specific tariff rate line
- Digits 9–10 are statistical suffixes
Quick Comparison Table
HS Code: 6 digits · International · Used worldwide · Managed by WCO
HTS Code: 10 digits · U.S. imports only · Managed by USITC · Determines U.S. duty rate
Schedule B: 10 digits · U.S. exports only · Managed by Census Bureau · Used for export statistics
Which One Do I Need?
If you are importing goods into the United States, you need the HTS code. Use LookupHTS to find it.
If you are exporting goods from the United States, use the Schedule B system via the Census Bureau's Schedule B Search Engine.
If you are trading with a country outside the U.S. and need to classify goods internationally, the first 6 digits (the HS portion) will work in most countries, though each nation adds its own digits beyond 6.
Why the Distinction Matters for Importers
Understanding the difference between HS and HTS codes is not just academic — it affects your day-to-day import operations. When you receive a commercial invoice from an overseas supplier, they will often include an HS code based on their country's tariff system. While the first 6 digits will match the U.S. HTS, the duty rate and any special program eligibility are determined by the full 10-digit U.S. HTS code. You cannot use a supplier's 6-digit HS code to file a U.S. customs entry.
This is a common source of confusion for new importers. A supplier in Germany might list HS code 8471.30 for a laptop computer, which is correct at the international level. But when you import that laptop into the U.S., you need the full HTS code 8471.30.0100, which specifies it as a portable automatic data processing machine weighing not more than 10 kg. The additional digits determine the exact duty rate and whether any trade agreements apply.
How HS Code Updates Affect HTS Codes
The World Customs Organization reviews and updates the international HS system approximately every five to six years. The most recent major revision was the HS 2022 update, which introduced new codes for drones, smartphones, electronic waste, and other modern products. When the international HS changes, the USITC must update the U.S. HTS to remain aligned at the 6-digit level. These transitions can temporarily create confusion as old codes are retired and new ones take effect.
Between major HS revisions, the U.S. HTS still changes frequently through Presidential proclamations, trade agreement modifications, and legislative actions. These changes affect digits 7–10 and can alter duty rates without any change to the underlying international HS code. This is why it's important to always use the most current version of the HTS schedule when classifying your goods — a code that was correct last year may carry a different duty rate or may have been reorganized entirely.
Practical Tips for Working With Both Systems
When communicating with international suppliers, use the 6-digit HS code as a common reference point since it is universally understood. When filing U.S. customs entries, always use the full 10-digit HTS code from the current USITC schedule. If you export from the U.S. and import into the U.S. as part of a round-trip supply chain, you will need both Schedule B codes for your exports and HTS codes for your imports — even though the first 6 digits are the same, the last 4 digits serve different purposes in each system. Keep your classification records updated, and verify codes against the latest USITC revision before each filing.