What are HS codes and why are they essential for international trade?

HS (Harmonized System) codes are the global standard for classifying traded goods, developed by the World Customs Organization. They're essential for customs duty calculation, import/export licensing, trade statistics, and free trade agreement qualification. Used by 200+ countries, they ensure consistent classification for international commerce.

How is the HS system structured and how often is it updated?

HS uses a 6-digit hierarchical structure: 21 Sections → 99 Chapters → 1000+ Headings → 5000+ Subheadings. Countries add 2-4 digit extensions for specific tariff lines. The system is updated every 5-6 years by the WCO, with the 2022 revision being the latest, containing over 5000 commodity groups.

What's the difference between HS codes and customs tariff codes?

HS codes provide the 6-digit international standard, while customs tariff codes include country-specific extensions. For example, the US uses HTS codes (10 digits), EU uses TARIC codes (8-10 digits), and other countries add their own extensions to the base 6-digit HS code for detailed tariff schedules.

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HS Code Finder

Get HS codes for your goods

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) is a globally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for classifying traded products. Used by over 200 countries and territories, the HS serves as the foundation for international trade statistics, customs tariffs, and trade negotiations. This six-digit classification system is essential for importers, exporters, customs brokers, and logistics professionals to determine applicable duties, taxes, trade restrictions, and regulatory requirements for goods crossing international borders.

Sorted by relevance

Results for:

"Electric motor"

850152 68.9%

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW
850153 68.3%

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 75kW
850151 68.1%

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output not exceeding 750W
850120 67.8%

Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W
850140 67.5%

Electric motors; AC motors, single-phase
850132 67.4%

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW
850133 67.3%

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 75kW but not exceeding 375kW
842531 67.2%

Winches; capstans; powered by an electric motor
850110 66.8%

Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W
850134 66.7%

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 375kW

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Harmonized System (HS) Code Guide

Customs & Trade Applications

HS codes are essential for international trade:

• Customs duty calculation and tariff schedules
• Import/export licensing requirements
• Trade statistics and economic analysis
• Anti-dumping and safeguard measures
• Free trade agreement qualification

Global Implementation

Used by customs authorities worldwide:

• 200+ countries and territories
• World Customs Organization (WCO) standard
• 6-digit base with national extensions
• Updated every 5-6 years (2022 latest)
• 5000+ commodity groups

Structure & Classification

HS uses a hierarchical structure: 21 Sections → 99 Chapters → 1,000+ Headings → 5000+ Subheadings. Each 6-digit code represents a specific commodity, with countries adding 2-4 digit national extensions for detailed tariff lines.

HS Code Finder

Get HS codes for your goods

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output exceeding 75kW

Electric motors; AC motors, multi-phase, of an output not exceeding 750W

Electric motors; universal AC/DC of an output exceeding 37.5W

Electric motors; AC motors, single-phase

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 750W but not exceeding 75kW

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 75kW but not exceeding 375kW

Winches; capstans; powered by an electric motor

Electric motors; of an output not exceeding 37.5W

Electric motors and generators; DC, of an output exceeding 375kW

Harmonized System (HS) Code Guide

Customs & Trade Applications

Global Implementation

Structure & Classification

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