Structure of the Harmonized System Code (HS Code)

Introduction to HS Code

The Harmonized System Code (HS Code) is an essential tool in international trade that helps classify goods in a systematic and uniform manner. Developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the HS Code system plays a vital role in tax management, trade statistics, and import-export control. The HS Code includes more than 5,000 goods codes, divided into 21 main chapters, each containing specific groups and subgroups. HS Codes are typically formatted with 6 digits, with the possibility of further expansion to meet the specific requirements of each country.

Structure of the HS Code

Overview of Structure

Each goods code in the HS Code system is divided into the following levels:

Level 1: Chapter (2 digits)
Level 2: Group (next 2 digits)
Level 3: Subgroup (next 2 digits)
Level 4: Detailed code (can be 2 to 4 digits depending on the regulations of each country)

Example: HS Code 1006.30:

10: Chapter 10 – Wheat and Other Cereals
06: Group 06 – Rice
30: Subgroup 30 – Processed Rice

Classification by Chapter

Below are the details of the chapters in the HS Code system:

Chapter 1-5: Animal Products

Chapter 1: Live Animals
- Group 01.01: Live horses, asses, mules, and hinnies.
- Group 01.02: Live bovine animals.
- Group 01.03: Live swine.
- Group 01.04: Live sheep and goats.
- Group 01.05: Live poultry.
- Group 01.06: Other live animals.
Chapter 2: Meat and Edible Meat Offal
- Group 02.01: Fresh or chilled meat of bovine animals.
- Group 02.02: Frozen meat of bovine animals.
- Group 02.03: Fresh or chilled meat of swine.
- Group 02.04: Frozen meat of swine.
- Group 02.05: Meat of sheep or goats, fresh or chilled.
- Group 02.06: Meat of sheep or goats, frozen.
- Group 02.07: Other meat and edible offal.
Chapter 3: Fish and Crustaceans, Mollusks, and Other Aquatic Invertebrates
- Group 03.01: Live fish.
- Group 03.02: Fish, fresh or chilled.
- Group 03.03: Fish, frozen.
- Group 03.04: Fish fillets and other fish meat.
- Group 03.05: Crustaceans, live or cooked.
- Group 03.06: Mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates.
Chapter 4: Dairy Products and Eggs
- Group 04.01: Milk and cream, not concentrated or sweetened.
- Group 04.02: Milk and cream, concentrated or sweetened.
- Group 04.03: Buttermilk and yogurt.
- Group 04.04: Whey and dairy products.
- Group 04.05: Eggs, fresh or preserved.
- Group 04.06: Honey and other animal products.
Chapter 5: Animal Products Not Elsewhere Specified
- Group 05.01: Animal fats and oils.
- Group 05.02: Animal bones, horns, and hoofs.

Chapter 6-14: Vegetable Products

Chapter 6: Live Trees and Other Plants
- Group 06.01: Live trees and shrubs.
- Group 06.02: Cut flowers and flower buds.
Chapter 7: Edible Vegetables and Certain Roots and Tubers
- Group 07.01: Potatoes, fresh or chilled.
- Group 07.02: Tomatoes, fresh or chilled.
- Group 07.03: Onions and shallots, fresh or chilled.
- Group 07.04: Other vegetables, fresh or chilled.
Chapter 8: Edible Fruits and Nuts
- Group 08.01: Apples, pears, and quinces.
- Group 08.02: Citrus fruits.
- Group 08.03: Bananas and plantains.
- Group 08.04: Nuts, fresh or dried.
Chapter 9: Coffee, Tea, Mate, and Spices
- Group 09.01: Coffee, not roasted.
- Group 09.02: Tea.
- Group 09.03: Mate.
- Group 09.04: Spices like pepper, cinnamon.
Chapter 10: Cereals
- Group 10.01: Wheat and meslin.
- Group 10.02: Rice.
- Group 10.03: Barley.
- Group 10.04: Oats.
Chapter 11: Products of the Milling Industry
- Group 11.01: Wheat flour.
- Group 11.02: Rice flour.
- Group 11.03: Starch.
- Group 11.04: Other cereal preparations.
Chapter 12: Oil Seeds and Oleaginous Fruits
- Group 12.01: Soybeans.
- Group 12.02: Sunflower seeds.
- Group 12.03: Olive oil.
Chapter 13: Lac, Gums, Resins, and Other Vegetable Saps
- Group 13.01: Gum arabic.
- Group 13.02: Other gums and resins.
Chapter 14: Vegetable Plaiting Materials and Other Products of Plant Origin
- Group 14.01: Bamboo and rattan.
- Group 14.02: Other plant materials for weaving.

Chapter 15-24: Animal and Vegetable Fats, and Processed Foods

Chapter 15: Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils
- Group 15.01: Animal fats.
- Group 15.02: Vegetable oils.
- Group 15.03: Margarine and other edible fats.
Chapter 16: Preparations of Meat, Fish, or Crustaceans
- Group 16.01: Canned meats.
- Group 16.02: Canned fish and crustaceans.
Chapter 17: Sugars and Sugar Confectionery
- Group 17.01: Cane or beet sugar.
- Group 17.02: Sugar confectionery.
Chapter 18: Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations
- Group 18.01: Cocoa beans and powder.
- Group 18.02: Chocolate and preparations.
Chapter 19: Preparations of Cereals, Flour, Starch, or Milk
- Group 19.01: Biscuits and cakes.
- Group 19.02: Breakfast cereals.
Chapter 20: Preparations of Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts, or Other Parts of Plants
- Group 20.01: Canned vegetables and fruits.
- Group 20.02: Jams, fruit jellies.
Chapter 21: Miscellaneous Edible Preparations
- Group 21.01: Sauces and condiments.
- Group 21.02: Dietary supplements.
Chapter 22: Beverages, Spirits, and Vinegar
- Group 22.01: Non-alcoholic beverages.
- Group 22.02: Spirits and liqueurs.
- Group 22.03: Vinegar.
Chapter 23: Residues and Waste from the Food Industry
- Group 23.01: Biscuits, cakes.
- Group 23.02: Other food industry residues.
Chapter 24: Tobacco and Manufactured Tobacco Substitutes
- Group 24.01: Unprocessed tobacco.
- Group 24.02: Cigarettes and cigars.

Chapter 25-27: Mineral Products

Chapter 25: Salt; Sulfur; Earths and Stone
- Group 25.01: Salt and sea salt.
- Group 25.02: Sulfur, earths, and stone.
Chapter 26: Ores, Slag, and Ash
- Group 26.01: Iron ore and concentrates.
- Group 26.02: Copper ores and concentrates.
Chapter 27: Mineral Fuels, Oils, and Products of Their Distillation
- Group 27.01: Crude oil.
- Group 27.02: Refined petroleum products.

Chapter 28-38: Chemical Products and Related Materials

Chapter 28: Inorganic Chemicals
- Group 28.01: Acids like sulfuric and nitric acids.
- Group 28.02: Other inorganic chemicals like potassium salts.
Chapter 29: Organic Chemicals
- Group 29.01: Organic compounds like alcohols.
- Group 29.02: Organic chemicals like amino acids.
Chapter 30: Pharmaceutical Products
- Group 30.01: Medicines and pharmaceuticals.
- Group 30.02: Other pharmaceutical products like vaccines.
Chapter 31: Fertilizers
- Group 31.01: Inorganic fertilizers.
- Group 31.02: Organic fertilizers.
Chapter 32: Tanning or Dyeing Extracts
- Group 32.01: Dyeing extracts and pigments.
- Group 32.02: Paints and varnishes.
Chapter 33: Essential Oils, Perfumery, and Cosmetic Products
- Group 33.01: Essential oils and perfumes.
- Group 33.02: Cosmetic products.
Chapter 34: Soaps, Organic Surface-Active Agents
- Group 34.01: Soaps and washing preparations.
- Group 34.02: Organic surface-active agents.
Chapter 35: Albuminoidal Substances
- Group 35.01: Albumin and casein.
- Group 35.02: Other albuminoidal substances.
Chapter 36: Explosives; Pyrotechnic Products
- Group 36.01: Explosives.
- Group 36.02: Pyrotechnic products.
Chapter 37: Photographic or Cinematographic Goods
- Group 37.01: Photographic films and plates.
- Group 37.02: Cinematographic films.
Chapter 38: Miscellaneous Chemical Products
- Group 38.01: Miscellaneous chemicals.
- Group 38.02: Chemical products not elsewhere specified.

Chapter 39-40: Plastics and Rubber

Chapter 39: Plastics and Articles Thereof
- Group 39.01: Plastic materials.
- Group 39.02: Articles made from plastics.
Chapter 40: Rubber and Articles Thereof
- Group 40.01: Natural and synthetic rubber.
- Group 40.02: Articles made from rubber.

Chapter 41-43: Animal Hides and Skins

Chapter 41: Raw Hides and Skins
- Group 41.01: Raw hides and skins of bovine animals.
- Group 41.02: Raw hides and skins of other animals.
Chapter 42: Articles of Leather
- Group 42.01: Leather articles like bags and wallets.
- Group 42.02: Other leather products.
Chapter 43: Furskins and Artificial Fur
- Group 43.01: Furskins and furs.
- Group 43.02: Artificial fur products.

Chapter 44-49: Wood and Articles of Wood

Chapter 44: Wood and Articles of Wood
- Group 44.01: Wood, sawn or chipped.
- Group 44.02: Wood products like furniture.
Chapter 45: Cork and Articles of Cork
- Group 45.01: Cork materials and articles.
- Group 45.02: Cork products like stoppers.
Chapter 46: Manufactures of Straw, Esparto, or Other Plaiting Materials
- Group 46.01: Plaiting materials and products.
- Group 46.02: Other products made from straw and similar materials.
Chapter 47: Pulp of Wood or Other Fibrous Cellulosic Material
- Group 47.01: Wood pulp.
- Group 47.02: Other pulps and paper-making materials.
Chapter 48: Paper and Paperboard; Articles of Paper Pulp
- Group 48.01: Paper and paperboard.
- Group 48.02: Articles made from paper pulp.
Chapter 49: Printed Books, Newspapers, and Other Printed Products
- Group 49.01: Books, brochures, and similar printed matter.
- Group 49.02: Newspapers and other printed products.

Chapter 50-63: Textiles and Textile Articles

Chapter 50: Silk and Articles Thereof
- Group 50.01: Silk yarn and fabrics.
- Group 50.02: Articles made from silk.
Chapter 51: Wool and Articles Thereof
- Group 51.01: Wool and woolen yarn.
- Group 51.02: Articles made from wool.
Chapter 52: Cotton and Articles Thereof
- Group 52.01: Cotton yarn and fabrics.
- Group 52.02: Articles made from cotton.
Chapter 53: Other Vegetable Textile Fibers
- Group 53.01: Jute, flax, and hemp fibers.
- Group 53.02: Articles made from vegetable fibers.
Chapter 54: Synthetic or Artificial Fibers
- Group 54.01: Synthetic fibers like polyester.
- Group 54.02: Articles made from synthetic fibers.
Chapter 55: Man-Made Fibers
- Group 55.01: Fibers like acrylic and viscose.
- Group 55.02: Articles made from man-made fibers.
Chapter 56: Wadding, Felt, and Nonwoven Fabrics
- Group 56.01: Wadding and felt.
- Group 56.02: Nonwoven fabrics.
Chapter 57: Carpets and Other Textile Floor Coverings
- Group 57.01: Carpets and rugs.
- Group 57.02: Other floor coverings.
Chapter 58: Special Textile Fabrics
- Group 58.01: Fabrics for embroidery and lace.
- Group 58.02: Other special fabrics.
Chapter 59: Textile Fabrics Coated or Laminated
- Group 59.01: Coated fabrics.
- Group 59.02: Laminated fabrics.
Chapter 60: Knitted or Crocheted Fabrics
- Group 60.01: Knitted fabrics.
- Group 60.02: Crocheted fabrics.
Chapter 61: Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories
- Group 61.01: Knitted apparel and accessories.
- Group 61.02: Other clothing accessories.
Chapter 62: Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories (Not Knitted)
- Group 62.01: Non-knitted apparel.
- Group 62.02: Other clothing accessories.
Chapter 63: Other Textile Articles
- Group 63.01: Textile articles not elsewhere specified.
- Group 63.02: Other textile products.

Chapter 64-67: Footwear, Hats, and Umbrellas

Chapter 64: Footwear
- Group 64.01: Footwear made of leather.
- Group 64.02: Footwear made of rubber or plastic.
Chapter 65: Hats and Headgear
- Group 65.01: Hats made of fabric or leather.
- Group 65.02: Caps and headgear.
Chapter 66: Umbrellas and Sunshades
- Group 66.01: Umbrellas and parasols.
- Group 66.02: Umbrella parts and accessories.
Chapter 67: Feathers and Articles of Feathers
- Group 67.01: Feather products like hats.
- Group 67.02: Other feather articles.

Chapter 68-71: Stone, Ceramic Products, and Precious Metals

Chapter 68: Stone, Plaster, Cement, and Asbestos
- Group 68.01: Stone and products made from stone.
- Group 68.02: Cement and plaster products.
Chapter 69: Ceramic Products
- Group 69.01: Ceramic ware like dishes and vases.
- Group 69.02: Other ceramic products.
Chapter 70: Glass and Glassware
- Group 70.01: Raw glass and glass products.
- Group 70.02: Glassware like bottles and glasses.
Chapter 71: Precious Metals and Articles Thereof
- Group 71.01: Precious metals like gold and silver.
- Group 71.02: Articles made from precious metals.

Chapter 72-83: Metals and Metal Products

Chapter 72: Iron and Steel
- Group 72.01: Iron and steel in primary forms.
- Group 72.02: Finished iron and steel products.
Chapter 73: Articles of Iron or Steel
- Group 73.01: Iron and steel products like tools and machinery.
- Group 73.02: Other iron and steel products.
Chapter 74: Copper and Articles Thereof
- Group 74.01: Copper in primary forms.
- Group 74.02: Copper products like wires and sheets.
Chapter 75: Nickel and Articles Thereof
- Group 75.01: Nickel in primary forms.
- Group 75.02: Nickel products and alloys.
Chapter 76: Aluminum and Articles Thereof
- Group 76.01: Aluminum in primary forms.
- Group 76.02: Aluminum products like sheets and tubes.
Chapter 77: Other Base Metals
- Group 77.01: Other base metals like lead and zinc.
- Group 77.02: Products made from base metals.
Chapter 78: Lead and Articles Thereof
- Group 78.01: Lead in primary forms.
- Group 78.02: Lead products like pipes and sheets.
Chapter 79: Zinc and Articles Thereof
- Group 79.01: Zinc in primary forms.
- Group 79.02: Zinc products like sheets and wires.
Chapter 80: Tin and Articles Thereof
- Group 80.01: Tin in primary forms.
- Group 80.02: Tin products like foil and plates.
Chapter 81: Other Precious Metals
- Group 81.01: Other precious metals like palladium.
- Group 81.02: Products made from precious metals.
Chapter 82: Tools, Cutlery, and Other Articles of Metal
- Group 82.01: Tools and cutlery.
- Group 82.02: Other metal articles like kitchenware.
Chapter 83: Miscellaneous Articles of Base Metal
- Group 83.01: Miscellaneous metal articles like locks and keys.
- Group 83.02: Other base metal products.

Chapter 84-85: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances

Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances
- Group 84.01: Machinery like engines and pumps.
- Group 84.02: Mechanical appliances like compressors.
Chapter 85: Electrical Machinery and Equipment
- Group 85.01: Electrical machinery like generators.
- Group 85.02: Electrical equipment like switches and connectors.

Chapter 86-89: Vehicles and Transport Equipment

Chapter 86: Railways or Tramways Equipment
- Group 86.01: Railways and tramways vehicles.
- Group 86.02: Equipment for railways like signals.
Chapter 87: Motor Vehicles
- Group 87.01: Motor cars and vehicles.
- Group 87.02: Other motor vehicles like trucks and buses.
Chapter 88: Aircraft, Spacecraft, and Vessels
- Group 88.01: Aircraft and spacecraft.
- Group 88.02: Ships and boats.
Chapter 89: Other Transport Equipment
- Group 89.01: Other transport equipment not specified elsewhere.
- Group 89.02: Accessories for transport equipment.

Chapter 90-92: Optical, Medical, and Timekeeping Instruments

Chapter 90: Optical Instruments and Apparatus
- Group 90.01: Optical instruments like microscopes.
- Group 90.02: Other optical apparatus like projectors.
Chapter 91: Medical Instruments and Appliances
- Group 91.01: Medical instruments like stethoscopes.
- Group 91.02: Other medical appliances like ultrasound machines.
Chapter 92: Clocks and Watches
- Group 92.01: Clocks and watches.
- Group 92.02: Timekeeping instruments.

Chapter 93-97: Miscellaneous Products

Chapter 93: Arms and Ammunition
- Group 93.01: Weapons and ammunition.
- Group 93.02: Military equipment.
Chapter 94: Furniture and Bedding
- Group 94.01: Furniture like tables and chairs.
- Group 94.02: Bedding and other furniture.
Chapter 95: Toys and Games
- Group 95.01: Toys for children.
- Group 95.02: Games and other recreational items.
Chapter 96: Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles
- Group 96.01: Miscellaneous articles like sports equipment.
- Group 96.02: Other manufactured goods.
Chapter 97: Works of Art and Collectors’ Pieces
- Group 97.01: Artworks and sculptures.
- Group 97.02: Collectors’ items and antiques.

4. Conclusion

The Harmonized System Code (HS Code) plays a crucial role in the classification and management of goods in international trade. Understanding the structure and chapters of the HS Code not only helps businesses comply with legal regulations but also facilitates import and export activities. Clarity in the classification of goods improves operational efficiency and minimizes risks related to taxes and customs.

Deep insights into goods codes will enable businesses to engage more effectively in international trade while assisting authorities in managing and controlling imported and exported goods.

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