How to Read an HS Code — Decode Any Tariff Code in 60 Seconds

2026-03-05 · HSCodeAtlas.com

HS codes look like random numbers, but they follow a logical structure. Once you understand it, you can decode any code in seconds.

The Structure

Every HS code is built from left to right, getting more specific with each pair of digits:

84  71  30
│   │   │
│   │   └─ Subheading: Portable computers
│   └───── Heading: Data processing machines
└───────── Chapter: Machinery

Level by Level

Section (Roman numerals I–XXI)

The broadest grouping. There are 21 sections covering all traded goods. Sections aren’t part of the numeric code but organize the chapters.

Chapter (first 2 digits)

There are 97 chapters. The chapter tells you the broad product category.

Heading (first 4 digits)

About 1,200 headings provide more specific groupings within each chapter.

Example: Chapter 84 contains headings like:

Subheading (all 6 digits)

About 5,300 subheadings give the most specific classification at the international level.

Example: Heading 8471 breaks down into:

Real Examples

CodeRead asProduct
09011109-01-11Unroasted coffee, not decaf
61091061-09-10Cotton T-shirts, knitted
87032287-03-22Cars, 1000-1500cc engine

Tips for Reading Codes

  1. Start with the chapter — this tells you the general category
  2. Look at the heading — this narrows to the product type
  3. Check the subheading — this pins down the specific variant
  4. “Other” codes (ending in 0 or 9) are catch-all categories
  5. Even vs odd last digits sometimes distinguish variants

Practice

Try decoding these:

Tools