Essential reading before your first cross-border shipment.
The HS Code (Harmonized System) is an international product classification maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) since 1988, used by 200+ countries. The first 6 digits are globally identical (e.g. 8517.13 = smartphones), while digits 7+ are country-specific extensions: the US uses 10-digit HTS, China uses 10-digit tariff or 13-digit CIQ, most ASEAN countries use 8-digit. HS codes are the basis for customs declaration, duty calculation, and trade statistics.
The first 6 digits (chapter · heading · subheading) are globally standardized by WCO treaty. Digits 7-8 are national subheadings; most countries stop at 8. Digits 9-10 are customs statistical codes: the US HTS uses 10, China's tariff book uses 10. China additionally appends 3 CIQ inspection digits for a 13-digit declaration code.
Three steps: (1) identify the 6-digit international HS — use our AI classifier with a product description; (2) look up the 8-10 digit national tariff in the destination country to get MFN, general, and preferential (FTA) rates; (3) add VAT/GST, excise tax, anti-dumping duties as applicable. We cover 12 countries: US, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Australia, Brazil, Mexico.
China's export rebate rates are published by the State Tax Administration in the Export Rebate Library, updated multiple times per year, covering all 13-digit HS codes. Common rebate tiers are 0%, 6%, 9%, 10%, 13%. Exporters reclaim VAT previously paid on production inputs. We are integrating China GAC and SAT data sources shortly.
Misclassification leads to wrong duty (under/overpayment), customs delays, cargo holds, and fines. Customs authorities retain post-clearance audit rights (3 years in China, 5 years in the US). Best practices: (1) build an HS archive for recurring SKUs; (2) cross-verify AI classifications; (3) for complex items, request advance rulings (binding pre-classification).
Because the first 6 digits are internationally harmonized, but each country's statistical and tariff needs drive 2-7 digit national extensions. E.g. "men's cotton T-shirts" → US 6109.10.00.04 (10-digit), India 6109.10.00 (8-digit), China 6109100000 (10-digit). When pricing exports, always use the destination country's full local HS.
MFN (Most-Favored-Nation) is the baseline rate WTO members apply to each other. General rate applies to countries without MFN treatment, usually much higher. Preferential (FTA / RCEP / CEPA) rates are lower bilateral/multilateral concessions, often zero. Before exporting, check whether an FTA exists between origin and destination — if so, preferential rates usually apply.
Import restrictions matter more than duty rates — duty is a cost question, restrictions are a go/no-go question. Every HS detail page shows: (1) restriction category (Free/Restricted/Prohibited), (2) required license type, (3) issuing agency, (4) legal basis. Coverage: Indonesia Lartas, Malaysia Customs Prohibition Order (Schedules 1-4), India DGFT ITC-HS schedule, Vietnam commodity policy. Always check this before shipping.
Completely free. AI classification is limited to 10 lookups per IP per day; browsing HS detail, chapter, and country pages is unlimited. No signup required. Advanced features (bulk upload, API, policy alerts) may be added later, but core lookup will remain free forever. All data from official customs authorities and tax bureaus — no paid data sources.