PMPA Craftsman Cribsheet #140: How To Read an HTS Code

Published June 1, 2025

By David Wynn, Technical Services Manager, PMPA

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With tariffs at the forefront of everyone’s mind, it is important to understand how Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes work. Careful consideration is required because a simple digit error can be the difference in paying a 170%+ tariff or no tariff. The first six digits are the Harmonized System (HS), the internationally recognized system for identifying products for trade. In the U.S., the addition of four digits is used for tariff classification and statistical data collection. An entire code is broken up in two-digit segments. The chart below explains an example 10-digit HTS code giving the details of each two-digit section.