What Is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS)?

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is the official system for classifying imported goods and determining applicable duties. It is maintained by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and is based on the international Harmonized System (HS).

How HTS Codes Work

Each item imported into the U.S. is assigned a 10-digit code called an HTSUS number. The first six digits are internationally standardized; the remaining four digits are U.S.-specific.

Why HTSUS Matters

• Determines the duty rate on imported goods
• Supports trade enforcement actions
• Used for statistical tracking by customs authorities

Importers must classify their goods accurately. Incorrect codes can result in customs delays or fines.

Official reference: https://hts.usitc.gov/