HS Code Finder

Search across 88,000+ Harmonized System codes by product name or keyword

Search HS Codes

Search by product name (e.g. "basmati rice") or HS code prefix (e.g. "1006")

How to Use This Tool

Enter your product name in the search box (e.g., "basmati rice", "cotton yarn", "stainless steel pipes")
Click Search or press Enter — results appear instantly
Find your product in the results table and note the HS code
Verify with customs — always confirm the final code with your Customs House Agent (CHA)

Tip: For accurate classification, search by the specific product (e.g. "whole wheat flour" not just "wheat"). The more specific you are, the better the results.

What is an HS Code and Why Does It Matter?

HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is a standardised 6-digit international numerical code used to classify traded goods across the world. Developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and used by 200+ countries, the HS code is the universal language of global trade. Every product you export or import must be assigned an HS code — and using the wrong one can result in wrong duty rates, shipment holds, or penalties.

In India, the HS code is extended to 8 digits and is known as the ITC-HS Code (Indian Trade Classification based on Harmonized System). The first 6 digits are internationally standardised; digits 7 and 8 are India-specific subheadings used for customs tariff purposes.

How HS Code Structure Works

Example: Basmati Rice — HS Code 1006.20.10

10 = Chapter (Cereals) 1006 = Heading (Rice) 100620 = Subheading (Husked/Brown Rice) 10062010 = ITC-HS (India-specific: Basmati Rice)

Why the Correct HS Code is Critical for Indian Exporters

Customs clearance — every Shipping Bill filed on ICEGATE requires the correct HS code. Wrong codes trigger examination orders or hold on the shipment.
Export duty — certain HS codes attract export duty (e.g. iron ore, raw leather). Using a wrong code to avoid duty is a criminal offence under the Customs Act.
GST rate — the HSN code (same as HS code) determines the GST rate on your product. Wrong classification leads to wrong tax payments.
Duty drawback — Drawback rates under the All Industry Rate (AIR) scheme are assigned per HS code. Wrong code = wrong drawback or no drawback.
FTA benefits — to claim preferential duty under FTAs (India-UAE CEPA, AIFTA, etc.), both the HS code and the Certificate of Origin must be correct.
Import tariff for your buyer — the tariff your overseas buyer pays at their end is determined by the HS code on your invoice.

How to Use the HS Code Finder Tool

Search by product name — type the specific product (e.g. "turmeric powder", "cotton yarn", "leather shoes") in the search box.
Be specific — searching "wheat flour" returns better results than "flour". The system matches against 88,000+ product descriptions.
Review the results — the tool returns HS codes with their full classification path so you can identify the best match.
Verify on ICEGATE — once you have a candidate HS code, cross-check it on the ICEGATE customs tariff to confirm the applicable duty rate and description.
Use the code consistently — use the same HS code across your invoice, packing list, Shipping Bill, and GST invoice.

HS Code vs HSN Code — Are They the Same?

Yes and no. HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) and HS Code refer to the same classification system. In the context of Indian GST, the term "HSN code" is used — and it's the same 6–8 digit code as the ITC-HS code used in customs. When you see GST invoices asking for HSN code, it's looking for the same code you use in customs and export documentation. For most purposes, HS code = HSN code = ITC-HS code in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my product falls under multiple HS codes?

This is common. Use the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) of the HS system to determine the most specific code. As a rule: the more specific the description, the more correct it is. When in doubt, consult your CHA or the Customs Advance Ruling Authority for a formal ruling on your product's classification.

Can I use a 4-digit HS code on my export invoice?

No. For Indian customs and export documentation, you must use the 8-digit ITC-HS code. For GST invoices, the number of digits required depends on your annual turnover — businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore must use 6-digit HSN; smaller businesses need 4-digit. For exports, always use 8 digits.

Do HS codes change over time?

Yes. The WCO updates the HS nomenclature every 5 years (the last major update was HS 2022). India also updates ITC-HS codes via budget notifications. Always verify your code against the latest version, especially if you've been exporting the same product for several years.