HTS Code vs HS Code: What's the Difference?
Both codes classify physical goods for customs — but they're not interchangeable. Using the wrong one on US import documents can delay your shipment and trigger CBP penalties. Here's the definitive answer.
The one-line answer
An HS code is a 6-digit international code used in 190+ countries. An HTS code is the US extension of that code — 10 digits — used specifically for US import entries to determine the exact duty rate and quota status.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | HS Code | HTS Code (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Harmonized System | Harmonized Tariff Schedule |
| Managed by | World Customs Organization (WCO) | US International Trade Commission (USITC) |
| Used in | 190+ countries (international standard) | United States only |
| Code length | 6 digits | 10 digits (6 HS + 4 US-specific) |
| Example | 6109.10 (cotton t-shirts) | 6109.10.0012 (men's cotton t-shirts) |
| Purpose | Universal product classification & trade stats | US duty rates, import quotas, trade stats |
| Update cycle | Every 5 years (WCO HS Revision) | Updated continuously by USITC |
| Required on | Export documents, commercial invoices globally | US import entry documents (CBP Form 7501) |
Breaking down a real HTS number
Take a men's cotton t-shirt. Its HTS number is 6109.10.0012:
Which one do I use on my documents?
US import entry (CBP Form 7501)
Full 10-digit HTS code required
Determines duty rate, quota, ADD/CVD applicability
Commercial invoice (any country)
6-digit HS code acceptable
Most customs authorities accept 6 digits; more is always fine
Export declarations (EEI / AES)
Schedule B code (US export)
Schedule B is the US mirror of HTS for exports — different suffix digits
Shopify product listings
6-digit HS code minimum
Shopify's Duties & Import Taxes uses the 6-digit code to calculate duties at checkout
EU import entry (SAD form)
8-digit CN/TARIC code
EU uses its own Combined Nomenclature (CN) — starts with the same 6-digit HS base
How to find the right code for your product
The fastest method is AI classification — describe your product in plain English and get the correct 6-digit HS code (and 10-digit HTS for US imports) in seconds. Manual lookup through the USITC HTS database works but is slow for large catalogs.
Free AI HS / HTS lookup
Type a product description — the AI returns the 6-digit HS code, suggests the US 10-digit HTS suffix, and shows the applicable duty rate.
Try free lookupBulk-classify your entire product catalog
Zentria Flow assigns HS and HTS codes to hundreds of SKUs at once — with confidence scores, duty rates, and compliance notes for every product.