How to Look Up the HTS Code for a Korean Product

What an HTS code is

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule assigns a ten-digit code to every category of goods. The first six digits are internationally standardized; the last four are US-specific. Duty rate, any quota, and applicable trade agreement treatment all attach to that code, so classification is the whole game. Classification depends on material and construction more than on how the product is marketed, which is why two similar-looking items can carry very different rates.

Finding the code

The US International Trade Commission publishes a searchable tariff schedule. Search by plain product description, then read down the chapter to find the specific subheading. Cosmetics sit in chapter 33, apparel in chapters 61 and 62, footwear in 64, printed matter including books in 49, and toys and games in 95. The schedule's chapter notes and section notes also govern classification and frequently resolve cases where two headings appear to apply equally.

Reading the rate columns

Each line shows a general rate for most trading partners and a special rate column listing preferential programs by letter code. Korea appears under the Korea free trade agreement designation. Where that column shows free, the general rate does not apply if origin requirements are met. Additional duties from trade actions can also apply on top of the schedule rate for goods of certain origins, though Korean-origin goods are generally unaffected.

Common Korean purchase classifications

Printed books frequently carry a free general rate. Cosmetics generally carry low rates, often under 2%. Apparel is the expensive category, commonly 8-32% depending on fiber and construction, with synthetic knitwear at the high end. Footwear can exceed 20% and is highly specific to materials and construction. Checking the rate before ordering a large apparel or footwear basket is the single highest-value use of ten minutes in the whole import process.

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Frequently asked

No, the carrier or broker classifies. Knowing the code lets you predict the charge and check the classification is sensible.

It can be corrected through a post-entry amendment, though for small personal shipments the effort usually exceeds the difference.

Duty is calculated on the goods value for most entries. The specific treatment of freight and insurance depends on the valuation basis used.