HS: Harmonized System
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System generally referred to as "Harmonized System (HS)" is a standardized system of names and numbers used to classify traded goods, developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The HS is regarded as a universal economic language for international trade, facilitating consistent identification and categorization of goods across countries. The HS was first published in 1988 and has been reviewed seven times since then, the latest being in 2022. It is used widely by customs agencies and private businesses globally.
Metadata
| Publisher type | Supernational |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Jurisdictions | Global |
Available versions
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, or the Harmonized System (HS) as it is commonly known, is a framework for the classification of commodities developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and used by over 200 countries worldwide. It classifies over 5000 product categories each identified by a 6-digit numerical code. The HS is hierarchically structured into four levels: sections, chapters (2-digit), headings (4-digit), and sub-headings (6-digit). For example, in the current HS 2022, the Sub-heading 8419.12 (Solar water heaters) is found under the Heading 8419 located in Chapter 84 of Section XVI.
The HS provides a common framework based on which a wide range of users across the world can identify the same commodity. By facilitating data exchange related to Customs and trade procedures, the HS therefore helps to reduce the costs associated with international trade. As is the case with other international classification frameworks like the United Nation's International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC), there are also national and regional adaptations of the HS such as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) and the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union which supplement the HS with US- and EU-specific detail respectively.
The use of the HS is officially guided by Explanatory Notes available for purchase from the WCO. These notes provide detailed information on each of the above categories, identifying the main products covered, their technical description (appearance, production methods, etc) and other practical guidance on using the system.
Versions
Harmonized System (HS) 2022 (Current)
HS 2022 took official effect on 1 January 2022.
Changes Between HS 2017 and HS 2022
HS 2022 included an extensive range of changes adapting the system to the current composition of global trade by adding new product streams and accounting for environmental and social concerns. Accordingly, HS 2022 includes the new heading 85.49 (Electrical and electronic waste and scrap) with 11 subheadings including 8549.11 (Waste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators; spent lead-acid accumulators), 8549.12 (Other, containing lead, cadmium or mercury), among others. In light of the emergence of Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, another notable new heading in HS 2022 is 88.06 (Unmanned aircraft) under which there are 11 new subheadings covering drones of different specifications such as 8806.21 (With maximum take-off weight not more than 250g) and 8806.22 (With maximum take-off weight more than 250 g but not more than 7kg). Reflecting the current state of communication technologies, HS 2022 also includes a new subheading 8517.13 for Smartphones.
In recognition of the role of Customs agencies in national security, new subheadings have been added for "dual use goods" that could be channeled towards dangerous activities. These include items like radioactive materials, biological safety cabinets, and components used in constructing improvised explosive devices, such as detonators (covered under subheadings 2844.41-2844.44). Moreover, certain goods falling under the control of international Conventions have been updated in HS 2022, with new subheadings for chemicals under the scope of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), Rotterdam Convention, among others.
In addition to new headings and subheadings, a total of 351 amendments were made in HS 2022 including several clarifications in its documentation to facilitate consistent application of the system.
Structure of HS 2022
HS 2022 is structured into four levels, as follows:
Section: 21 sections identified by roman numerals (I-XXI). For example, the Section XV (Base metals and articles of base metals).
Chapter: 96 Chapters identified by numbers (1-97, with a vacant Chapter 77 reserved for future use). For example, the Chapter 72 covers Iron and steel.
Headings: 1228 headings identified by four-digit numbers (0101-9706). For example, the Heading 7201 covers Pig iron and spiegeleisen in pigs, blocks or other primary forms.
Sub-headings (HS codes): 5612 Sub-headings identified by six-digit numbers (0101.21-9706.90). For example, the Sub-heading 7201.10 covers Non-alloy pig iron containing by weight 0.5 % or less of phosphorus. This is the finest level of detail in the HS framework providing the complete HS code for commodity categories.
The table below breaks down each of the 19 Sections of HS 2022 into the various subcategories (a star at the end of a section name means that the original name has been shortened). The Section VI (Products of the chemical or allied industries) is the most detailed section with 923 Subheadings. The sections XVI (Machinery and mechanical appliances) and XI (Textiles and textile articles) follow with 834 and 797 subheadings respectively.
Section ID | Section Name | # of Chapters | # of Headings | # of Sub-headings (HS codes) |
I | Live animals; animal products | 5 | 44 | 373 |
II | Vegetable products | 9 | 77 | 317 |
III | Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products* | 1 | 21 | 53 |
IV | Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes* | 9 | 57 | 220 |
V | Mineral products | 3 | 66 | 147 |
VI | Products of the chemical or allied industries | 11 | 179 | 923 |
VII | Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof | 2 | 43 | 211 |
VIII | Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and articles thereof* | 3 | 20 | 69 |
IX | Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal; cork and articles of cork* | 3 | 27 | 146 |
X | Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard* | 3 | 40 | 140 |
XI | Textiles and textile articles | 14 | 152 | 797 |
XII | Footwear, headgear, umbrellas, sun umbrellas, walking-sticks, seat-sticks, whips, riding-crops and parts thereof* | 4 | 19 | 47 |
XIII | Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; ceramic products; glass and glassware | 3 | 47 | 151 |
XIV | Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals* | 1 | 18 | 55 |
XV | Base metals and articles of base metals | 11 | 147 | 570 |
XVI | Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof* | 2 | 134 | 834 |
XVII | Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment | 4 | 39 | 172 |
XVIII | Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus* | 3 | 53 | 208 |
XIX | Arms and ammunition; parts and accessories thereof | 1 | 7 | 18 |
XX | Miscellaneous manufactured articles | 3 | 32 | 142 |
XXI | Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques | 1 | 6 | 19 |
Total | 96 | 1,228 | 5,612 |
Resources
Harmonized System (HS) 2017 (Legacy)
HS 2017 was in force from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021.
Changes Between HS 2012 and HS 2017
In total, HS 2017 introduced 233 changes to HS 2012, affecting mostly the agricultural and chemical, and machinery sectors of the HS framework. The changes also reflected environmental and social issues of worldwide importance, many of which were suggested by international organizations like the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
Given the importance of the HS for global trade statistics, the changes in HS 2017 related to fish/fishery products are intended to improve the system's coverage of product categories that need to be tracked for purposes of global food security and for more effective resource management. The changes related to forestry products equally seek to improve the coverage of wood products to better reflect trade patterns, including the category of endangered species. To support international efforts to monitor certain wood products and chemicals, HS 2017 added new subheadings for some bamboo and rattan products and hazardous chemicals.
Changing global trade patterns led to the combination in HS 2017 of the headings 69.07 (unglazed ceramic products) and 69.08 (glazed ceramic products). This was because their main subheadings in previous HS versions relate to products that are out of production and glazed-unglazed distinction of ceramic products has become irrelevant.
Structure of HS 2017
HS 2017 was structured into four levels, as follows:
Section: 21 Sections identified by roman numerals (I-XXI).
Chapter: 96 Chapters identified by numbers (1-97). Chapter 77 is reserved for future use.
Headings: 1222 Headings identified by four-digit numbers (01.01-97.06).
Sub-headings (HS codes): 5387 Sub-headings identified by six-digit numbers (0101.21-9706.00). This is the finest level of detail in the HS 2017 providing the complete HS code for commodity categories.
Resources
Harmonized System (HS) 2012 (Legacy)
HS 2012 was in force from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016.
Changes Between HS 2007 and HS 2012
Notable changes in HS 2012 include provisions for certain varieties of fish including those originating from the Southern hemisphere. New subheadings for food items were also added such as 1212.92 (Locust beans), 1212.93 (Sugar cane), and 1212.94 (Chicory roots) and for some chemical products under the control of specific international conventions. In line with developments in international trade patterns, over 40 subheadings were deleted following a reduced amount of trade in their constituents.
Structure of HS 2012
HS 2012 was structured into four levels, as follows:
Section: 21 Sections identified by roman numerals (I-XXI).
Chapter: 96 Chapters identified by numbers (1-97). Chapter 77 is reserved for future use.
Headings: 1224 Headings identified by four-digit numbers (01.01-97.06).
Sub-headings (HS codes): 5205 Sub-headings identified by six-digit numbers (0101.21-9706.00).
Resources
Harmonized System (HS) 2007 (Legacy)
HS 2007 in force from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011.
Changes Between HS 2002 and HS 2007
HS 2007 added several new subheadings to support the global monitoring of certain commodities. This includes species of fish such as 0301.94 (Bluefin tunas), 0302.67 (Swordfish) and 0302.68 (Toothfish); pesticides such as 2910.40 (Dieldrin (ISO, INN)), 2915.36 (Dinoseb (ISO) acetate), and 2916.36 (Binapacryl (ISO)); wood products such as 4407.93 (Of maple), 4407.94 (Of cherry), and 4706.30 (Other, of bamboo). Including clarification of texts and other routine updates, a total of 354 changes were made in HS 2007.
Structure of HS 2007
HS 2007 was structured into four levels, as follows:
Section: 21 Sections identified by roman numerals (I-XXI).
Chapter: 96 Chapters identified by numbers (1-97). Chapter 77 is reserved for future use.
Headings: 1221 Headings identified by four-digit numbers (01.01-97.06).
Sub-headings (HS codes): 5052 Sub-headings identified by six-digit numbers (0101.10-9706.00).
Resources
Harmonized System (HS) 2002 (Legacy)
HS 2002 was in force from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2006.
Changes Between HS 1996 and HS 2002
HS 2002 created new subheadings in support of multilateral efforts to monitor the global trade in certain commodities. This includes species of fish like 0302.34 (Bigeye tunas - Thunnus obesus) 0302.35 (Bluefin tunas - Thunnus thynnus), and 0302.36 (Southern bluefin tunas - Thunnus maccoyii); vegetable products and fruits such as 0711.5 (Mushrooms and truffles), 0711.51 (Mushrooms of the genus Agaricus), and 0810.60 (Durians); and drugs and narcotics such as 2922.14 (Dextropropoxyphene (INN) and its salts), 2939.43 (Cathine - INN), and 2932.95 (Tetrahydrocannabinols - all isomers). Including clarification of texts and other routine updates, a total of 372 changes were made in HS 2002.
Structure of HS 2002
HS 2002 was structured into five levels, as follows:
Section: 21 Sections identified by roman numerals (I-XXI).
Chapter: 96 Chapters identified by numbers (1-97). Chapter 77 is reserved for future use.
Headings: 1244 Headings identified by four-digit numbers (01.01-97.06).
Sub-headings (HS codes): 5224 Sub-headings identified by six-digit numbers (0101.10-9706.00).
Resources
Harmonized System (HS) 1996 (Legacy)
HS 1996 was in force from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2001.
Changes Between HS 1988 and HS 1996
In HS 1996 the number of HS codes increased from 5019 to 5113. In total around 400 changes were made including routine text clarifications and other updates.
Structure of HS 1996
HS 1996 was structured into four levels, as follows:
Section: 21 Sections identified by roman numerals (I-XXI).
Chapter: 96 Chapters identified by numbers (1-97). Chapter 77 is reserved for future use.
Headings: 1241 Headings identified by four-digit numbers (01.01-97.06).
Sub-headings (HS codes): 5113 Sub-headings identified by six-digit numbers (0102.10-9706.00).
Resources
Harmonized System (HS) 1988 (Legacy)
HS 1988 was in force from 1 January 1988 to 31 December 1995. It was the first edition of the HS framework. A "mainly editorial" review of HS 1988 was done in 1992, prior to the more extensive review that resulted in HS 1996.
Structure of HS 1988
HS 1996 was structured into four levels, as follows:
Section: 21 Sections identified by roman numerals (I-XXI).
Chapter: 96 Chapters identified by numbers (1-97). Chapter 77 is reserved for future use.
Headings: 1241 Headings identified by four-digit numbers (01.01-97.06).
Sub-headings (HS codes): 5019 Sub-headings identified by six-digit numbers (0101.11-9706.00).
Resources
Harmonized System (HS) 2028 (Upcoming)
Following the review cycle of the system, HS 2028 will enter into force on 1 January 2028.
Where is it used?
The HS is used by over 200 countries primarily in the administration of customs tariffs and other international trade matters. For example, Indonesia recently removed the import ban on 23 products classified under 13 HS codes.
As the "universal economic language" and global reference for product classification, HS codes are indispensable for the collection of international trade statistics and information. Trade databases maintained by international organizations are organized according to HS codes, for example: the World Bank's World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS), the United Nation's Comtrade Database, and the World Trade Organization's Tariff Download Facility.
As part of global efforts to tackle cross-border criminal activities, the World Customs Organization (WCO) uses HS codes to monitor the movement of controlled goods such as endangered animal species, waste products, hazardous chemicals, and narcotics, among others.
In the private sector, major users of HS codes for various purposes such as compliance and market research include firms engaged in import/export activities like e-commerce platforms, logistics and fright companies, among others. Moreover, HS codes are often integrated into Customs or Global Trade Management software products.
Further Resources
Other resources
The Harmonized System: A Universal System for International Trade - 30 Years on
List of 212 countries, territories or customs or economic unions applying the Harmonized System
Indonesia: Government removed the import ban on certain imported products sold via e-commerce
One-stop Global Customs Filing and Trade Management Software