🔍 HS Code Lookup Tool

HS Code Product Classifier

Find the likely HS code for your imported product and see 2026 tariff rates — including Section 301 China tariffs and IEEPA surcharges.

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Disclaimer: HS classification is complex — consult a licensed customs broker for official classifications. These are common classifications for general guidance only and should not be used as the basis for formal customs entries.

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Understanding HS Codes and the 2026 Tariff Landscape

The Harmonized System (HS) is a standardized numerical classification system for goods traded internationally, maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). First introduced in 1988, it now covers more than 5,000 commodity groups, each identified by a 6-digit code. In the United States, the HS system is extended to 10 digits and is known as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), administered by the U.S. International Trade Commission.

Every product entering the U.S. customs territory must be classified under an HTS code. That classification determines not just the duty rate, but also which trade remedy tariffs apply — and in 2026, those layered tariffs have made classification more consequential than at any point in modern trade history.

The Three Layers of U.S. Import Tariffs in 2026

Importers today face a three-tier tariff structure that can stack dramatically, particularly for Chinese-origin goods:

1. Base MFN Rate (Most Favored Nation)

The standard tariff rate in the HTS schedule, applied to imports from countries that are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) — which covers nearly all U.S. trading partners. MFN rates range from 0% on many technology products under the Information Technology Agreement to over 20% on certain apparel, footwear, and agricultural products. This is the baseline before any trade remedies are added.

2. Section 301 Additional Tariffs (China Only)

Imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, these additional duties were first applied in July 2018 targeting $34 billion in Chinese goods. Through four successive "lists," the U.S. extended Section 301 coverage to over $370 billion in annual imports from China. Rates vary by list: Lists 1 and 2 carry 25% additional duty; List 3 was increased to 25% (originally 10%); and List 4A is 7.5%. Section 301 tariffs do not apply to non-Chinese-origin goods unless a circumvention finding is made.

3. IEEPA Tariffs (Universal + China Escalation)

Beginning in 2025, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was invoked to impose a 10% universal baseline tariff on imports from virtually all countries, with an escalating China-specific rate that reached 145% by mid-2025. These tariffs are additive — stacked on top of both MFN and Section 301 rates. For Chinese-origin goods in a tariff-impacted category, effective rates can exceed 170% of the product's customs value.

Why Accurate HS Classification Matters More Than Ever

With tariff rates at historic highs for Chinese-origin goods, a single chapter change in HS classification can mean the difference between a 10% duty rate and a 170%+ rate. Classification errors — whether intentional or accidental — expose importers to CBP audits, penalties, prior-disclosure obligations, and reputational risk.

At the same time, correct classification is a prerequisite for any tariff relief strategy. You cannot file a Section 301 exclusion request, claim a first-sale valuation benefit, or pursue duty drawback without knowing your exact HTS code. Importers who invest in accurate classification upfront typically recover more through refund and drawback programs.

How HS Codes Are Structured

HS codes follow a hierarchical structure:

  • XXChapter — 2 digits, broad product category (e.g., Chapter 84: Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery)
  • XXXXHeading — 4 digits, more specific product group (e.g., 8471: Automatic data processing machines)
  • XXXXXXSubheading — 6 digits, internationally harmonized level (e.g., 8471.30: Portable ADP machines under 10kg)
  • XXXXXXXXHTS — 8 or 10 digits (U.S. specific), tariff line level used for import entries

This tool displays codes at the 6-digit HS subheading level. For official customs entries, you will need the full 10-digit HTS code, which a licensed customs broker or the USITC HTS search tool can provide.

Strategies to Reduce Tariff Exposure

Understanding your HS code is the first step. Importers facing high effective rates have several legitimate strategies available:

Supply chain diversification: Sourcing from non-Chinese countries avoids the 145% IEEPA China-specific rate and the Section 301 additional duty, reducing the rate to just the MFN base + 10% universal IEEPA. For many categories, this represents a 100–150 percentage point reduction in effective tariff rate.

First sale valuation: For goods manufactured overseas and resold through intermediaries before U.S. import, customs value may be based on the first sale price (manufacturer to trader), not the last sale (trader to importer). This can significantly reduce the dutiable value base.

Duty drawback: If you export goods (or use imported goods in products you export), duty drawback under 19 USC 1313 allows recovery of up to 99% of duties paid. This is particularly powerful when Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs are included in the drawback claim.

Section 301 exclusions: USTR has issued product-specific exclusions from Section 301 tariffs. These are time-limited and product- specific, but can provide material relief for importers of qualifying goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an HS code and why does it matter?+
An HS code (Harmonized System code) is a standardized numerical system developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) used to classify traded products. Every product imported or exported internationally is assigned a 6-digit HS code (extended to 8-10 digits in the U.S. as an HTS code). The classification determines the applicable tariff rate, trade restrictions, import licenses, and statistical tracking. Getting the wrong HS code on a customs entry can result in underpaid or overpaid duties, potential penalties, and delays — making accurate classification critical for importers.
What are Section 301 tariffs and which products do they apply to?+
Section 301 tariffs are additional duties imposed on goods imported from China, authorized under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. They were implemented starting in 2018 in four lists (List 1–4) targeting Chinese imports worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Rates range from 7.5% to 50% depending on the list and product. These tariffs are layered on top of the standard MFN (Most Favored Nation) base tariff rate. As of 2026, these tariffs remain in effect for most product categories. Not all products are subject to Section 301 — many agricultural commodities and some raw materials are excluded.
What are IEEPA tariffs and how do they differ from Section 301?+
IEEPA tariffs (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) are a newer set of tariffs invoked starting in 2025, based on executive authority to address declared national economic emergencies. Unlike Section 301 tariffs which target China specifically, IEEPA tariffs include a 10% universal baseline rate on imports from virtually all countries, plus a dramatically higher 145% rate on Chinese-origin goods. IEEPA tariffs are applied in addition to both the MFN base rate and any Section 301 tariffs, making total effective rates on Chinese goods exceptionally high. These tariffs are subject to change based on trade negotiations.
How do I calculate the total effective tariff rate on my imported product?+
The total effective tariff rate on an imported product is the sum of all applicable duty layers: (1) Base MFN rate — the standard rate for that HS code, (2) Section 301 additional duty — if the product is on a Section 301 list and the goods are China-origin, (3) IEEPA tariff — 145% for Chinese-origin goods, or 10% for goods from other countries. For example, a laptop (HS 8471.30) has a 0% MFN rate + 25% Section 301 + 145% IEEPA = 170% total effective rate for Chinese-origin goods. The same laptop from Vietnam would be 0% + 0% + 10% = 10% total effective rate.
Can I recover overpaid tariffs if my product was misclassified?+
Yes. If your product was misclassified and you overpaid duties, you can file a protest with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within 180 days of the liquidation date of the entry. If successful, you can recover the overpaid duties plus interest. Additionally, if your goods were originally imported at a higher tariff rate and you later obtain a ruling that a lower rate applies, you may be able to reclassify future entries and file for prior-entry refunds within the protest window. Working with a licensed customs broker or trade attorney is highly recommended for reclassification cases.