The international standard: 6 digits
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It uses a 6-digit code to identify products in international trade. The first 2 digits identify the chapter, digits 3-4 identify the heading, and digits 5-6 identify the subheading. This 6-digit structure is shared by over 200 countries and is the foundation of global customs classification. However, the 6-digit standard describes what a product is — it does not include duty rates, additional tariffs, or country-specific rules.
- Digits 1-2: HS chapter (e.g., 42 for leather goods, 85 for electrical machinery).
- Digits 3-4: HS heading (e.g., 01 for live animals, 91 for clocks and watches).
- Digits 5-6: HS subheading (e.g., 10 for cereals, 20 for preparations of vegetables).
Why different countries need different digit counts
Each country maintains its own national tariff schedule. National schedules extend the 6-digit international standard by adding digits for duty rates, statistical reporting, and regulatory measures specific to that country. The number of national extension digits varies by country. Some use 2 extra digits, some use 4. The result is that a 6-digit international code alone is not sufficient for customs filing in most major markets.
- The 6-digit code is the international foundation — shared globally.
- Digits 7+ are national extensions — different in every country.
- A code valid in one country may not be valid in another.
- Always verify the national tariff extension for the destination country.
Digit counts by major market
Some national tariff systems extend beyond the international HS structure with different digit counts. The United States uses a 10-digit HTS code. The EU uses an 8-digit TARIC code. The UK and China each use 10-digit codes. India, Brazil, and other markets have their own systems. The international 6-digit prefix identifies the product family; the national extension identifies the specific duty rate and regulatory treatment in that market.
- United States: 10-digit HTS (6-digit HS + 4-digit US national extension).
- European Union: 8-digit TARIC (6-digit HS + 2-digit EU additional code).
- United Kingdom: 10-digit UK Trade Tariff (6-digit HS + 4-digit UK extension).
- China: 13-digit Chinese Customs Code (6-digit HS + 7-digit CN extension).
- Canada: 10-digit CADEX/MSK (6-digit HS + 4-digit CA extension).
- India: 8-digit Indian Customs Tariff (6-digit HS + 2-digit Indian extension).
What happens if you use only 6 digits
Using only the first 6 digits of an HS code for customs filing is generally insufficient. Most countries require the full national extension to process an entry. A 6-digit code tells customs the product family but not the specific duty rate, statistical category, or additional tariff treatment. When only 6 digits are provided, the carrier or broker may select a default national extension — which may or may not be correct for the product.
- The carrier or broker may select a default national extension.
- The default extension may not match the product or the correct duty rate.
- Incorrect national extension can cause incorrect duty assessment or customs holds.
- Always provide the full national extension for the destination country.
Example: leather bag classification
A leather handbag is classified under HS code 4202.32 in the international system. But that alone is not sufficient for US or EU filing. In the United States, the full HTS code for a leather handbag might be 4202.32.10 — where 420232 is the HS prefix and 10 is the US statistical/duty subcode. In the EU, the TARIC code would be 42023200 — where 420232 is the HS prefix and 00 is the EU additional code. The international prefix identifies the product family (leather articles); the national extension identifies the specific duty treatment in that market.