Tariff classification basics
HS Code vs. HTS Code: What Is the Difference?
An HS code is the internationally shared six-digit classification base. The U.S. HTS extends that base for United States tariff and statistical needs by adding U.S.-specific 8- and 10-digit provisions.
The short answer
- HS code
- The first six digits used as a common product classification language by countries that implement the Harmonized System.
- HTS code
- A longer code in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. It preserves the six-digit HS base and adds U.S.-specific tariff or statistical detail.
People often use “HS code,” “HTS code,” and “tariff code” loosely. The practical question is which importing country's schedule applies and how many digits that workflow requires.
HS: the shared six-digit foundation
The World Customs Organization maintains the Harmonized System. Its structure moves from two-digit chapters to four-digit headings and six-digit subheadings. The first six digits create the common foundation that national tariff schedules extend.
The WCO identifies HS 2022 as the current edition in its Harmonized System FAQ. Always check the schedule and version required by the actual transaction rather than treating an old six-digit code as permanent.
HTS: the U.S.-specific extension
Countries can subdivide the shared six-digit subheadings in their own national tariff schedules. In the United States, HTS means the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. It adds U.S.-specific detail at eight and ten digits: the eight-digit tariff line adds the national classification, and the ten-digit code adds statistical reporting detail.
The U.S. International Trade Commission HTS FAQ explains that the first six digits are international while the 8- and 10-digit provisions are unique to the United States. Another country can extend the same six-digit base differently.
A historical U.S. HTS example in Explorer
In a historical capture recorded on August 21, 2026, Tariff Code Compliance Explorer showed 9617.00.10.00 in US_HTS / 2026-rev-16. The ten-digit description was “Vessels: Having a capacity not exceeding 1 liter.” Its ancestors included heading 9617 and subheading 9617.00 for vacuum flasks and other vacuum vessels, followed by U.S. national 8-digit provision 9617.00.10.
This fixed release and date identify the captured evidence only. They do not claim that revision 16 remains the current or default release.
You can inspect other systems and versions from the Tariff Code Compliance Explorer.
See the HS-to-HTS hierarchy yourself
Open the captured U.S. HTS example, then move through its internationally shared ancestors and U.S.-specific extensions in Tariff Code Compliance Explorer.