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.
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.
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.
HTS classification affects anyone who imports goods commercially into the US. Primary use cases:
The classifier uses the following process to generate HTS code suggestions:
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Know your HTS code? Jump directly to the corridor guide for duty rates, compliance requirements, and landed cost estimates.
DATA CURRENT AS OF MAY 2026
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.