Selling to the US: how do I find my product's HTS code and duty rate?
Answer
Use the US International Trade Commission's official site hts.usitc.gov: type an English product name or code in the search box to see the 10-digit HTS code and the duty rate columns. The current edition is 2026 HTS Revision 21 (published 9 October 2026). Additional duties on Chinese goods (Section 301 and others) are listed separately in the site's "China Tariffs" files, so don't stop at the base rate.
- Applies to
- Sellers exporting or selling to the US who need to work out duty.
Official tools
| Use | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Find code and rate | hts.usitc.gov | The HTS sets the tariff rates and statistical categories for all goods imported into the US |
| Help and training | USITC tariff information | Classification FAQs, interactive training, "Ask Us a Question" |
| Disputed classification | CBP rulings (CROSS) | Search past CBP classification rulings |
How to look it up (4 steps)
- Open hts.usitc.gov and search an English product name, such as "cotton t-shirt".
- Drill down to the closest 10-digit code.
- Read the rate in the "General" column (we did not read the official wording on this; see Unknowns).
- Then check additional duties on Chinese goods: the China Tariffs files on the same site, or CBP notices.
What you can do yourself
- Look up the code before quoting, and show the base rate and China-specific duties separately.
- If unsure, search CROSS for past rulings on similar goods.
- Put the code on your invoice and packing list, and keep it consistent with your forwarder.
When to use a licensed professional
- If a product could fall under two codes with very different rates, talk to a US Licensed Customs Broker and, if needed, request a CBP binding ruling.
Check before you pay, and warning signs
- If someone classifies goods for you, ask whether they take responsibility for a wrong code.
- Advice to "declare a lower-duty code" is a warning sign; misclassification leads to back duty and penalties.
Unknowns
- The official wording that the MFN rate is the "General" column (General Note 3): not read this time; requested.
- The China Tariffs files: not opened this time.
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