How to Find the Right HTS Code: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Businesses

On August 29, 2025, the end of the $800 de minimis exemption changed the rules of cross-border e-commerce with the U.S. overnight. Every package entering the U.S. is now subject to duties, taxes, and formal customs declarations, with no exceptions. 

For businesses, this means that classification mistakes are no longer minor mistakes; they’re expensive errors. 

The code you assign to a product now directly impacts how much you pay at the border. That’s why knowing how to identify the right HTS code has become a critical skill for every retailer and exporter.

What Is an HTS Code?

When it comes to shipping goods into the U.S., one detail matters more than most: the HTS code. This 10-digit number is how U.S. Customs identifies your product, and it determines the amount of duty you pay. A wrong code goes beyond paperwork headaches. It can lead to unnecessary tariffs, higher costs, and even penalties.

Getting it right can save your business money. Getting it wrong can cost you. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate the process.

Start Simple: Search in Plain Language

The fastest way to begin is to use a keyword search. Visit the official U.S. International Trade Commission site at hts.usitc.gov or try free tools like USA Customs Clearance. Enter a simple description of your product, like “jewelry” or “hockey cards.” Avoid overly technical terms. Straightforward words usually return the best results.

This search will generate several possible codes. Remember, the first six digits are part of the international HS system, while the full ten digits make up the U.S.-specific HTS code. Make a list of the codes that seem to match your product.

Use Official Resources

Once you’ve narrowed down the options, dig deeper with the official HTS search tool from the USITC. The site includes built-in guidance and even an “Ask a Tariff Question” feature if you need clarification. Codes can be downloaded in formats like Excel, CSV, or PDF, which makes them easier to share with your team or broker.

For exports, you can also use the Schedule B Search Tool from the U.S. Census Bureau. While focusing on exports, the first six digits still align with HTS numbers and can help confirm your classification.

Check Other Tools for Back-up

Several third-party tools can help cross-check your results.

• CROSS Database: A searchable archive of past customs rulings that shows how similar products were classified.
• Zonos Classify: Uses keywords and even image recognition.
• FindHS.Codes and Freightos HS Code Finder: User-friendly platforms with duty calculators.
• Flexport Tariff Simulator: Lets you see the duty rates once you’ve identified the right code.

These tools are useful, but remember: always verify against the official USITC database.

When to Get Professional Help

Some products are straightforward to classify. Others are not. If your goods are complex or you’re unsure which code applies, contact a licensed customs broker. They can interpret the rules, confirm your classifications, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

In especially tricky cases, you can request an official ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is binding, and while it takes time, it gives you certainty. The CBP also has Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) that provide guidance by industry, though their advice isn’t binding.

Information You’ll Need on Hand

To make the process smoother, be ready to answer a few key questions:

• What is the product?
• What is it used for?
• What is it made of?
• What is its standard commercial name?
• Where was it manufactured?

The more detail you have, the easier it is to land on the right classification.

Understanding the Structure of HTS Codes

HTS codes are built step by step:

• The first two digits identify the chapter (for example, 33 = essential oils and perfumes).
• The first four digits define the heading within that chapter.
• The first six digits make up the HS international code.
• The full 8–10 digits provide the U.S.-specific detail.

Here is an example: 3301.12.00.00

• 33 → Chapter: Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations
• 3301 → Heading: Essential oils of citrus fruit
• 3301.12 → Subheading: Orange oil
• 3301.12.00 → U.S.-specific HTS: Sweet orange oil, expressed
• 3301.12.00.00 → Full 10-digit HTS: Detailed U.S. classification used for customs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t guess. Don’t rely solely on a supplier’s code. Don’t forget that codes can change: the HTS is typically updated every five years. A code that worked last year may not be valid today.

The cost of using the wrong code can be huge, from overpaying duties to facing fines for misclassification. Taking the time to verify pays off.

What to Do If You’re Stuck

If you hit a wall, you still have options:

• Use the “Ask a Tariff Question” function on the USITC website
• Consult a licensed customs broker
• File an official ruling request with CBP

Identifying the right HTS code is a way to protect your margins. A correct classification makes sure you pay only what you owe and nothing more.

Important note: This guide is for information purposes only. Every business should confirm codes and compliance steps with legal, tax, or customs experts before applying them in practice.