HS Codes for China Imports Explained

Updated: 2026-10-18 — This guide was rewritten. It now explains the difference between the international HS code and national tariff codes, gives a step-by-step classification method using official tools, and replaces an unsupported claim about Chinese declaration digits and an unverified case story. U.S. duty information is dated and linked to primary sources.

An HS code is not just a label for the shipping documents. Customs authorities use the classification to decide the duty rate, restrictions, reporting rules and other controls that apply to a product. A vague or copied code can lead to questions from customs, delayed clearance, overpaid or underpaid duty, penalties or a correction after entry.

The key point: classify the product for the country where it is imported. A Chinese supplier’s export code is a useful clue, but it is not automatically the full tariff number needed in Canada, the United States, the European Union or anywhere else.

HS code, tariff code and HTS code

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization. Each HS commodity group has a six-digit code, and the WCO says the system is used by more than 200 countries and economies as the basis for their customs tariffs.

The first two digits are the chapter.
The first four digits are the heading.
The first six digits are the subheading.

Countries then add their own digits for duty rates and statistics. In Canada, for example, the CBSA explains that the first six digits are the international HS code and the next four digits are Canadian. In the United States, the national schedule is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, usually shortened to HTSUS or HTS.

So two countries can agree on the six-digit subheading and still require different digits after it. Do not treat “HS code”, “China code”, “HTS code” and “customs code” as the same number.

Why the supplier’s code is not enough

A supplier may give you the code from an earlier export declaration. Treat it as a starting point and ask how it was chosen. The import classification can differ because:

national tariff schedules extend the six digits in different ways;
the earlier product may have had different materials, construction, power source, size or use;
the supplier may reuse a familiar code without checking your exact model;
tariff schedules and customs rulings change over time;
a set or multi-function product may have more than one plausible heading.

As the importer, you need to be able to explain your classification. “The factory gave us this code” is not an explanation.

What to collect before you search

Write a customs-ready description first. Include every fact that could change the classification:

what the product is and its main function;
material composition, with percentages where relevant;
how it works and whether it is powered;
key components and how they work together;
dimensions, capacity, weight and technical data;
whether it is complete, unfinished, a part, an accessory or a set;
who uses it and for what;
model number, drawings, photos, manual and bill of materials;
how it is packed and presented at import.

Descriptions such as “gift”, “accessory”, “sample”, “device” or “plastic item” leave out the facts customs needs.

A seven-step classification method

Step 1: Use the destination country’s schedule

Classification for duty starts with the country of import. Use its current official tariff schedule. If the product goes to several markets, classify it separately for each one.

Step 2: Search by function and material

Try several plain-language descriptions, then read the wording of the chapters, headings and subheadings that come up. A keyword match is only a candidate. Read the surrounding provisions instead of picking the first line that looks like your product name.

Step 3: Read the legal notes and interpretation rules

Section notes, chapter notes, exclusions and the General Rules of Interpretation can move a product out of a heading that looks obvious. Sets, composite goods, parts, unfinished articles and multi-function products need extra care.

Write down why you rejected the alternatives: which product facts decided the choice and which notes you read.

Step 4: Check customs rulings for similar goods

Published rulings show how customs has classified products with specific facts. Compare materials, construction, function and presentation, not just the product name.

For U.S. imports, search the CBP CROSS rulings database at rulings.cbp.gov using the product name, material, function and candidate heading. A ruling issued to another company is useful research, but small factual differences matter. Note that cites.cbp.gov is not an HS lookup tool.

Step 5: Confirm the current tariff line and any extra duties

For U.S. imports, confirm the candidate code in the official HTSUS published by the U.S. International Trade Commission at hts.usitc.gov. Read the full line, the unit of quantity, the notes and any provisions it refers to.

As of 2026-10-18, the HTSUS general duty rate for 6109.10.00, cotton T-shirts and similar garments, is 16.5%. That figure is only the normal rate. It does not include additional duties.

As of 2026-10-18, products of China can also be subject to additional U.S. duties. These include the China Section 301 technology-transfer actions, which USTR continued in a notice published on October 7, 2026; a separate 12.5% Section 301 duty on products of China, applicable to goods entered on or after July 24, 2026, with exemptions listed in the annexes to USTR’s notice; and Section 232 duties where they apply. Executive Order 14389 ended the IEEPA tariffs and states that it does not affect Section 232 or Section 301 duties.

Check the current notices and the HTSUS when you import rather than copying a rate from an old article. Also check whether an antidumping or countervailing duty order covers your product and exporter.

For Canada, look up the code in the Canadian Customs Tariff. For other destinations, use that country’s official schedule and do not reuse the U.S. duty stack.

Step 6: Get expert review when the answer is uncertain

Ask a licensed customs broker or trade lawyer to review ambiguous, high-duty, regulated or high-volume products. For repeat imports, consider asking the destination customs authority for a binding ruling. In Canada, the CBSA says an advance ruling on tariff classification assigns a 10-digit number and is legally binding between the CBSA and the person who receives it.

A broker works faster when you send the full specification, your candidate codes, previous entries, the rulings you checked and the questions you could not answer.

Step 7: Keep a classification record

exact model and revision;
destination country;
code and description used;
product facts that support it;
notes and rules reviewed;
rulings or professional advice relied on;
reviewer, approval date and next review date.

Review the classification when materials, components, design, use, packaging or destination change, and whenever the tariff schedule is updated.

How HTSUS and CROSS work together

Tool	Use it to	It does not prove
HTSUS	Read current headings, subheadings, notes, units and published rates	That your product’s facts fit the line you chose
CBP CROSS	Find the reasoning customs used for specific products	That a different product is covered, or that an old ruling still applies

Search HTSUS for plausible headings.
Read the legal text and notes.
Search CROSS for products with similar facts.
Go back to HTSUS to confirm the current line and linked provisions.
Ask a broker or request a ruling if real doubt remains.

Classification worksheet

Field	What to record
Commercial name	Specific product name and model, not “accessory”
Function	What it does and how it is used
Materials	Component materials and composition
Construction	Key parts, assembly and power source
Condition at import	Complete, unfinished, part, set or kit
Candidate headings	Plausible options in the destination schedule
Notes reviewed	Relevant section and chapter notes and exclusions
Rulings compared	Ruling numbers, similarities and differences
Decision	Chosen code and written reason
Open questions	Facts or legal points for the broker

The worksheet also sharpens your questions to the supplier. Instead of asking “What is the HS code?”, ask for the material breakdown, motor wattage, component function or packing arrangement that decides the code.

Common mistakes

Copying a competitor’s code. A similar-looking product can differ in material, function or construction.
Stopping at six digits. The import declaration usually needs the full national number.
Choosing the code with the lowest rate. Classification follows the legal text and product facts, not the cost you would prefer.
Treating a database search as a ruling. A keyword match does not settle an ambiguous case.
Ignoring product changes. A new material, component or kit configuration can change the code.
Mixing up classification and origin. Classification identifies the product; origin decides where it is treated as made. Both affect duty, but they are separate questions.

Questions to ask your supplier

Which code do you use for export, and for which exact model?
Which product facts support that code?
Can you send the bill of materials, technical sheet, manual and photos?
Have any materials, components, functions or packaging changed?
Does the commercial invoice use a specific, accurate description?
Can you provide accurate origin and manufacturing information?

The supplier provides facts and documents. You and your customs adviser confirm the classification for the destination country.

HS Codes for China Imports: How to Classify a Product