HS code
Definition
The six digit Harmonized System code customs authorities use to classify traded goods.
The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization and used by most countries for tariffs and trade statistics. The first two digits are the chapter, four digits the heading and six digits the subheading. Countries add further digits for their own tariffs, such as the eight digit ITC(HS) code in India or ten digit codes in the US.
Most chemicals fall in chapters 28 (inorganic), 29 (organic), 30 (pharmaceutical products), 32 (dyes, pigments and paints), 33 (essential oils and cosmetics), 34 (surfactants and soaps), 38 (miscellaneous chemical products) and 39 (plastics). The code decides the duty rate, any licence needs and which trade statistics include your product.
Related terms
- ITC(HS) codeIndia's eight digit version of the HS code, used in import and export policy and customs declarations.
- Anti dumping dutyAn extra import duty on goods from specific countries or companies that are exported below their normal value and harm local industry.
- Bill of entryThe import declaration filed with Indian customs, usually through a customs broker on ICEGATE.