What is an HS- or HTS-Code?

HS or HTS codes are a global tool and used in most international import and export documentation and commercial invoices. The World Customs Organization (WCO) maintains the Harmonized Tariff Description and Coding Schedule (HTS). Over 170 countries participate in WCO’s HTS system. The first six digits of the HTS code identify all items in international trade and are the same for all countries that use the HTS. The last two or four digits are country specific. In many countries these last four digits provide the duty rate and balance of trade statistical reporting suffix for the imported goods.