HS Code - Logistics Of Things - DHL

Your default browser language is set to . Browse this site in another language: English 日本語 ไทย Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（台灣） Continue color Created with Sketch.

• People
• All
• Innovation
• Sustainability
• Insights
• About
• Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter! Subscribe To Newsletter By submitting, you agree to our terms and privacy policy Please accept the terms & privacy notice Please verify you're not a robot

• Resources
• Glossary
• About
• English 简体中文 Tiếng Việt ไทย 繁體中文（台灣） 繁體中文（香港） 日本語
• Log In

Reports and Whitepaper

Read logistics-related industry reports, & sector-specific important-export guides here.

View all resources

Navigating Latest Tariff Developments

Global trade is growing more complex with new U.S. tariffs and global responses. DHL is here to help you navigate the changes.

Explore our solutions

Tools

• Create a Business Account
• Get a Quote
• Carbon Calculator
• Decarbonization Assessment

× LOG IN OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT Continue By continuing, you agree to the updated Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR THE LOGIN LINK

We have sent a link to email.

The link expires shortly, so please click the link soon.

Can't find your link? Check your spam folder!

Never share this link to anyone.

Logout

Are you sure you want to logout?

No Yes

Delete

Are you sure you want to delete avatar?

No Yes All Innovation Sustainability Insights People GLOSSARY

A glossary of widely used words in the logistics industry. Delve into the background and meaning of these terms.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # HS Code Available in Other languages A standardized system for classifying goods that are shipped around the world Share Share WECHAT PDF Share PDF

The escalating trade war between the United States and China has cast a pall over the global economy since January 2018. As of August 2018, the US has raised tariffs on more than 5,700 kinds of imports from China.

But how do countries clearly define the types of goods covered under their tariff policies? The answer lies in a deceptively simple string of numbers.

The Harmonized System (HS) Code is a standardized system for classifying goods that are shipped around the world. Using a six-digit code, it categorizes these goods by their components or economic purpose. To date, it covers 98 percent of international trade.

Understanding the HS and the relevant customs clearance processes is crucial for freight forwarders, as their goods’ HS codes tell customs authorities which duties, if any, to apply. Inaccurate reporting can result in massive fines, seized goods and delayed operations.

The HS contains 21 sections, which are divided into 99 chapters, 1,244 headings and 5,224 subheadings. The digits in a HS code represent a product’s place in the HS.

Some countries adopt additional digits in their HS codes to fulfill their tariff needs. The US, for example, uses a 10-digit system.Mastering the HS is incredibly difficult, with error rates of up to 30 percent. Fortunately, shippers can now look forward to new technologies that could automate the HS classification process.

14 29

How do you think we can improve our glossary?

Update key information Simplify the explanations Other Please select a feedback option Please leave a comment Submit Thank you for leaving your feedback Related Content Insights A step-by-step guide for importing into Indonesia To understand how to import goods into Indonesia, refer to this step-by-step guide by our Indonesian customs expert. Insights A step-by-step guide for importing into Thailand To understand how to import goods into Thailand, refer to this step-by-step guide. × Loading ×

• All
• Innovation
• Sustainability
• Insights
• People
• Resources

  Reports and Whitepaper

  Read logistics-related industry reports, & sector-specific important-export guides here.

  View all resources

  Navigating Latest Tariff Developments

  Global trade is growing more complex with new U.S. tariffs and global responses. DHL is here to help you navigate the changes.

  Explore our solutions

  Tools

  • Create a Business Account
  • Get a Quote
  • Carbon Calculator
  • Decarbonization Assessment
• Glossary
• About
• English 简体中文 Tiếng Việt ไทย 繁體中文（台灣） 繁體中文（香港） 日本語

• Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter! Subscribe To Newsletter By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice Please accept the terms & privacy notice

  View a sample