Chapter by chapter listing of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

Accurate product classifications are a critical part when exporting to the United States - or any other international destination. Without the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule code (HTS), traders can face legal issues, fines, delays in clearing shipments, or having their shipment seized. A HTS Code is used to identify and classify goods that are to be cleared through customs. 

A 10-digit import classification is required on all shipping documents (even though preference status, such as AGOA eligibility, is determined at the 8-digit level - use the tool here).

For trade with the United States, it is important to establish the unique 10-digit code as used by the US. While the first 6 digits of this code are harmonized globally (this is the 'Harmonized System nomenclature', or HS), the following 4 digits are unique to the United States and usually differ from classification codes used by other countries. This makes it important not to assume that the code used in other countries is the same as the HTSUS - exporters under AGOA should therefore obtain the United States' HTSUS tariff classification code.  

This section contains the chapter-by-chapter listing of the United States HTS and the associated general notes.  The links below correspond to the various sections in the Table of Contents for the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (US HTS). 

In order to identify the correct and full classification code, the relevant Chapter can be used as a basis to help identify the correct and full product classification of the product to be shipped. It should be noted that it is important to review the Notes to each HTS Section  (found in the first Chapter of each Section), together with the product-specific classifications.

At times, the correct classification would be under a 'Other' classification code. It is sometimes best to consult experienced freight forwarders and classification specialists for assistance. 

Please Note:

  Section notes, if any, are attached to the first chapter of each section.

  The linked files below relate to the 2023 HTSUS, latest release. For an archive of previous versions, please navigate to the HTSUS website.  

  Clicking on a link below will download the corresponding Adobe .pdf file

  Find the General Notes (link) and Rules of Interpretation (link)

  Watch a video on understanding your product's HTS code at the bottom of this page 

---

Section I: 

Live Animals; Animal Products

Section II: 

Vegetable Products

Section III: 

Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils and Their Cleavage Products; Prepared Edible Fats; Animal or Vegetable Waxes

Section IV: 

Prepared Foodstuffs; Beverages, Spirits, and Vinegar; Tobacco and Manufactured Tobacco Substitutes

 Section V: 

Mineral Products

  Section VI: 

Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries

 Section VII: 

Plastics and Articles Thereof Rubber and Articles Thereof

 Section VIII: 

Raw Hides and Skins, Leather, Furskins and Articles Thereof; Saddlery and Harness; Travel Goods, Handbags and Similar Containers; Articles of Animal Gut

 Section IX:

Wood and Articles of Wood; Wood Charcoal; Cork and Articles of Cork; Manufacturers of Straw,of Esparto or of Other Plaiting Materials; Basketware and Wickerwork

 Section X: 

Pulp of Wood or of Other Fibrous Cellulosic Material; Waste and Scrap of Paper or Paperboard; Paper and Paperboard and Articles Thereof

 Section XI: 

Textile and Textile Articles

 Section XII:

Footwear, Headgear, Umbrellas, Sun Umbrellas, Walking Sticks, Whips, Riding-Crops and Parts Thereof; Prepared Feathers and Articles Made Therewith; Artificial Flowers; Articles of Human Hair

 Section XIII:

Articles of Stone, Plaster, Cement, Asbestos, Mica or Similar Materials; Ceramic Products; Glass and Glassware

 Section XIV: 

Natural or Cultured Pearls, Precious or Semiprecious Stones, Precious Metals, Metals Clad With Precious Metal, and Articles Thereof; Imitation Jewelry; Coin

 Section XV: 

Base Metals and Articles of Base Metal

 Section XVI: 

Machinery and Mechanical Appliances; Electrical Equipment; Parts Thereof; Sound Recorders and Reproducers, Television Image and Sound Recorders and Reproducers, and Parts and Accessories of Such Articles

 Section XVII: 

Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels and Associated Transport Equipment

 Section XVIII: 

Optical, Photographic, Cinematographic, Measuring, Checking, Precision, Medical or Surgical Instruments and Apparatus; Clocks and Watches; Music

 Section XIX: 

Arms and Ammunition; Parts and Accessories Thereof

 Section XX: 

Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles

 Section XXI: 

Works of Art, Collectors' Pieces and Antiques

 Section XXII: 

Special Classification Provisions; Temporary Legislation; Temporary Modifications Proclaimed pursuant to Trade Agreements Legislation; Additional Import Restrictions Proclaimed Pursuant to Section 22 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as Amended

Appendixes and Annexes