HS Code Lookup Skill

This skill helps classify products into their correct Harmonized System (HS) codes — the international standard for categorizing traded goods used by customs authorities worldwide.

Background

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It uses a hierarchical structure:

• Chapters (2 digits): Broad category (e.g., Chapter 61 = Knitted apparel)
• Headings (4 digits): Narrower group (e.g., 6109 = T-shirts, singlets)
• Subheadings (6 digits): International standard level (e.g., 6109.10 = T-shirts of cotton)
• National lines (8–10 digits): Country-specific (e.g., US HTS uses 10 digits)

The first 6 digits are internationally harmonized. Digits beyond 6 vary by country.

How to Classify a Product

When the user asks for an HS code, follow this process:

Step 1: Understand the Product

Ask clarifying questions if the product description is vague. Key factors that affect classification:

• Material composition (cotton, steel, plastic, etc.)
• Function/use (is it a tool? a machine? food? clothing?)
• State of processing (raw, semi-finished, finished)
• Form (liquid, powder, sheets, assembled)
• For machinery: Does it perform a specific function or is it a general-purpose part?

You don’t need to ask about all of these — use judgment. If the user says “cotton t-shirt,” that’s enough. If they say “metal part,” you’ll need more detail.

Step 2: Identify the HS Code

Use the reference file at references/hs-chapters.md to identify the likely chapter, then use web search to find the precise 6-digit (or deeper) code.

Search strategy:

1. Start with a web search like: HS code [product name]
2. If the result is ambiguous, refine: HS tariff classification [product] [key material or attribute]
3. Prefer results from official or reputable sources:
   • US International Trade Commission (hts.usitc.gov)
   • WCO (wcoomd.org)
   • Trade.gov
   • Customs authority websites
   • Reputable trade compliance sites (e.g., 3CE, Avalara, Flexport)

Step 3: Present the Result

Structure your response like this:

Product: [User’s product description] HS Code: [6-digit code] — [Official description] Chapter: [2-digit] — [Chapter name] Heading: [4-digit] — [Heading name]

If there’s a common US HTS (10-digit) or EU CN (8-digit) code, include it too.

Add a brief explanation of why this classification applies — this helps the user understand the logic and catch errors.

Important Caveats

Always include these points:

• HS codes can vary based on specific product details (material, use, composition). Encourage the user to verify with a licensed customs broker for official import/export filings.
• The 6-digit HS code is internationally standardized; digits beyond 6 are country-specific.
• Classification rules follow the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) — the skill gives a best-effort classification, not a legally binding ruling.

Edge Cases

• Multi-material products: Classification often follows the material that gives the product its “essential character” (GRI 3b).
• Sets: Classified by the item giving the set its essential character, or by the highest-numbered heading if no single item dominates (GRI 3c).
• Parts and accessories: Often classified with the machine they belong to, but general-purpose parts (screws, bolts, cables) have their own headings.
• Food products: Pay attention to preparation method (fresh vs frozen vs dried vs preserved), packaging (retail vs bulk), and whether it’s a single ingredient or a food preparation/mixture.

Example

User: What’s the HS code for a stainless steel water bottle?

Response:

Product: Stainless steel water bottle
HS Code: 7323.93 — Table, kitchen or other household articles of stainless steel
Chapter: 73 — Articles of iron or steel
Heading: 7323 — Table, kitchen or other household articles of iron or steel
Subheading: 7323.93 — Of stainless steel

This falls under Chapter 73 because the bottle is made of steel. Within that chapter, heading 7323 covers household articles (which includes drinkware). The .93 subheading specifies stainless steel specifically.

Note: For official import/export filings, verify this code with a customs broker, as the exact classification may depend on features like insulation, capacity, or closure type. Country-specific codes (e.g., US HTS 10-digit) will add further specificity.