HS Code vs. HTS Code: What Is the Difference?

HS code vs. HTS code: the difference starts at digit seven

The Harmonized System (HS) is the international product-classification core administered by the World Customs Organization. Its headings and subheadings stop at six digits. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) adopts that core, then adds U.S.-specific detail: digits seven and eight form the legal tariff rate line, and digits nine and ten form the statistical reporting number used on an import entry. In short, an HTS number contains an HS code, but a six-digit HS code is not yet a complete U.S. import number.

Why a supplier's HS code can be right for six digits and wrong for a U.S. entry

Countries keep the same international meaning through the first six digits, then create their own national subdivisions and duty rates. USITC gives a concrete example: a blender can use the shared six-digit subheading 8509.40 while China and the United States assign different final four digits. A foreign supplier's full national code can therefore be useful classification evidence, but only its first six digits are designed to carry across borders. Re-classify the product in the current U.S. HTS before filing, using the product's material, function, construction, and the legal section and chapter notes.

The 8-digit HTS rate line sets duty; the 10-digit suffix reports the product

USITC states that the legal text and tariff rate end at the 8-digit HTS subheading. The final two digits split that rate line into narrower statistical categories, but every 10-digit number beneath the same 8-digit line takes the same ordinary duty rate. That distinction prevents a common lookup error: 4202.92.3131 is the reporting number for a particular travel-bag category, while 4202.92.31 is the rate line. Chapter 99 overlays, preferences, and trade remedies still require separate review; the 10-digit suffix does not settle those programs.

HTS is for U.S. imports; Schedule B is the U.S. export classification

For imports into the United States, classify in the HTS. For U.S. exports, Census uses Schedule B. Both systems build on the same six-digit HS core and both can reach ten digits, but their U.S. statistical subdivisions are not guaranteed to match. Census allows many HTS numbers to be reported for exports and converts them to Schedule B, yet it also publishes exceptions where Schedule B has export detail the HTS does not. Direction matters: 'ten digits' alone does not tell you whether a number belongs on an import or export filing.

Which code should you use?

Start with the transaction. For a U.S. import, find the current 8-digit HTS rate line and its required 10-digit statistical suffix; for a U.S. export, confirm the current Schedule B number or that Census accepts the HTS number. Treat a supplier's foreign code as a lead, not a filing answer. Then read the legal notes and check CBP rulings for comparable goods. If classification remains uncertain, request broker, counsel, informal USITC, or binding CBP guidance before relying on a duty estimate.

Three live examples from HS level to U.S. HTS reporting number

The first six digits are the international HS subheading; the next two select the U.S. legal rate line; the final two select a U.S. statistical category. Examples were rechecked against the current USITC schedule on August 2, 2026.

Use all ten digits on a U.S. import entry, but read the ordinary duty from the 8-digit rate line. The examples do not prove classification for a different product, and additional Chapter 99 or AD/CVD treatment can still apply.