The difference between customs HS and HTS codes

In international trade, the commodity code, on the one hand, needs to be filled in the bill of lading when declaring the customs, on the other hand, it is to classify the products to determine the applicable tariff of the products. We often see HS code and HTS code in customs declaration, what is the difference between the two?



HS coding
The HS code is a six-digit classification coordination system used to classify global trade products. Customs around the world determine tariffs and rates for specific types of products based on different HS-coded goods, and implement different regulations, duties and VAT collections. On the basis of the global lyse 6-bit HS code, many Governments have added expanded numbers to the HS code to further differentiate some of their own categories of products. These expanded figures are usually different in different countries.

HTS Coding
The HTS code, or uniform tariff meter code, is a 10-digit import classification system that is specifically designed for the United States HTS code, also known as the HTS number. Since tariffs on goods are evaluated according to this product classification, basically U.S. importers use the correct HTS code. HTS coding is based on HS, where the first six digits are consistent with the internationally accepted six-bit code, and then the last four digits are fine-grained for different goods.

The difference between HS and HTS
1. The main body of the development is different. HS is developed by the World Customs Organization and the HTS Customs Code is developed by national customs.
2. Different digits. HS has only 6 digits; but HTS is different, our country is 10 digits.
3. The use range is different. HS is only guided and coordinated, so it's called Harmonized System, while customs codes are used for customs control of actual import and export operations. However, in practice, the customs of each country is based on HS, and in accordance with the relevant principles of WCO to determine their own customs code. Therefore, within a certain range, especially in most operations, it's the equivalent of both.