What is the Harmonized System?
The Harmonized System (HS) is an international nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Over 200 countries use it to classify traded products.
- Created in 1988, updated every 5 years (current: 2022 revision)
- Contains over 5,000 commodity groups
- Organized into 21 sections and 97 chapters
- First 6 digits are standardized globally
Chapter (2 digits)
Chapter 85 = Electrical machinery and equipment
Heading (4 digits)
8518 = Audio equipment (speakers, microphones)
Subheading (6 digits)
8518.30 = Headphones and earphones
Countries then add 2-4 more digits for national tariff schedules (e.g., US uses 10 digits)
Why Classification Errors Are Expensive
of global shipments contain HS code errors according to WCO studies
the duty owed in penalties for intentional or negligent misclassification in most jurisdictions
average cost of a customs audit triggered by misclassification, including legal and consultant fees
How TradeRyt Classifies Your Products
Describe your product in plain language. Include material, function, and key features.
Our AI applies the General Rules of Interpretation—the legal framework customs officers use.
Receive your HS code, confidence score, duty rates, and risk flags in under 30 seconds.
Trade Agreements Can Reduce Your Duties to 0%
Free trade agreements like USMCA, CPTPP, and CETA can eliminate tariffs entirely—but only if you classify correctly and meet rules of origin. TradeRyt checks all major agreements automatically and flags opportunities you might miss.