Every HTS code is really three decisions stacked on top of each other — and only some of them are yours to get wrong.
The Anatomy of an HTS Code
Ten digits, two authorities, one duty rate — what each part controls, and which digits carry real legal weight.
Illustrative Example — Men's Cotton Trousers
62
Chapter
03
Heading
42
Subheading
40
US Rate Line
11
Stat. Suffix
Reads as 6203.42.4011 — illustrative; verify at hts.usitc.gov.
What These Digits Control
Duty Rate
Trade Program
Import License
Origin Marking
Trade Stats
First 6 Digits
Set by the WCO Harmonized System — identical across 170+ countries.
Last 4 Digits
U.S.-specific — rate line set by USITC, suffix by the Census Bureau.
Binding vs. Statistical
Legally binding. Changes the article claimed, the duty owed, can trigger an audit.
Statistical only. No duty impact — exists for Census trade-data reporting.
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