HS Codes
The Harmonized System, browsable. 12 chapters and 18 subheadings with the official nomenclature text, the classification boundaries that actually catch people out, and the agencies whose clearance you will also need.
No duty rates here — on purpose. A rate depends on the code, destination, origin, date and any trade-remedy order in force. We do not yet hold a licensed tariff source, so rather than print a number we cannot stand behind, every code page links to the destination's own official tariff. The duty calculator does the arithmetic once you have the real rate.
08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons
FDAUSDA APHISFresh produce is subject to phytosanitary import requirements; whether a good is "fresh", "dried" or "prepared" moves it between Chapters 08 and 20.
20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants
FDAChapter 20 covers goods prepared or preserved otherwise than by the processes specified in Chapter 7, 8 or 11 — the degree of processing is the deciding factor.
33 Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations
FDAA preparation making a therapeutic claim may fall to Chapter 30 (pharmaceutical) rather than 33, and is regulated very differently.
39 Plastics and articles thereof
EPAREACHArticles of plastic combined with other materials classify by essential character, which is frequently disputed.
61 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted
Knitted (Chapter 61) versus woven (Chapter 62) is determined by fabric construction, not appearance. Getting it wrong changes both the rate and the quota treatment.
64 Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles
Footwear classification turns on the constituent material of the upper and of the outer sole, measured by external surface area.
73 Articles of iron or steel
Steel goods are a frequent target of antidumping and countervailing duty orders and Section 232 measures — always check for an order in force, not just the tariff rate.
84 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof
The Chapter 84 / 85 boundary (mechanical versus electrical) is one of the most commonly litigated classification questions.
85 Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound and image apparatus
NHTSAMultifunction apparatus classifies by principal function. Radio-transmitting devices additionally require telecoms-authority approval in most markets.
90 Optical, photographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments
FDAMedical devices in Chapter 90 face device registration and listing requirements that are entirely separate from the tariff classification.
94 Furniture; bedding, mattresses; lamps and lighting fittings
CPSCWooden furniture may require a declaration on the species and harvest legality of the timber used.
95 Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof
CPSCChildren’s products require third-party safety testing and a certificate independent of the tariff classification.