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HS Code Validator

Check if an HS code is valid, current, or has changed in 2025/2026. Verified against USITC, EU TARIC, and UK Global Tariff.

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Need to validate 500+ codes at once? The Pro plan includes real-time monitoring for all your SKUs.

How HS code validation works

The validator checks three things: the format is correct for your destination market, the code exists in the current HS 2022 schedule, and the heading title genuinely describes the product. Codes deleted between HS 2017 and HS 2022 are flagged with their replacement.

  1. 1

    Paste the HS code

    Enter the 6, 8 or 10-digit code as it appears on your invoice or customs declaration.

  2. 2

    Pick the destination market

    Choose EU (8-digit CN), US (10-digit HTS) or UK (10-digit commodity) so the validator uses the right schedule.

  3. 3

    Read the verdict

    The validator confirms whether the code is active, returns the official heading title, and flags any deletions, splits, or merges since HS 2017.

  4. 4

    Fix invalid codes

    If the code is wrong, the validator suggests likely-correct alternatives based on the heading title and chapter notes.

Valid HS code formats by market

A 6-digit HS code is universal but rarely accepted on its own for declarations. Most customs authorities require the full national extension.

Market
Digits
Example
Notes
🌍International (HS)
6 digits
8517.13
WCO base. Used in commercial invoices for transparency, but not enough for a customs declaration.
🇪🇺European Union (CN)
8 digits
8517.13.00
Combined Nomenclature. Used in EU import declarations and the TARIC database.
🇺🇸United States (HTS)
10 digits
8517.13.0000
Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Required by US Customs (CBP) for entry filings.
🇬🇧United Kingdom
10 digits
8517.13.0000
UK Trade Tariff (HMRC). Independent of EU CN since Brexit.

Don't know the code? Use the free HS code lookup to find candidates from a product description, or the HS code converter to map between HTS, CN, and UK commodity codes.

Frequently asked questions

How to tell if an HS code is valid, what happens when you use an invalid one, and how often the Harmonized System changes.

How do I know if my HS code is valid?+
A valid HS code must have the correct format (6, 8, or 10 digits depending on the market), exist in the current edition of the Harmonized System schedule, and accurately describe the product being classified. This validator checks the format and looks up the code against the current HS 2022 schedule to confirm it is active and corresponds to the correct heading.
What happens if I use an expired or invalid HS code?+
Using an invalid or expired HS code on a customs declaration can cause delays at the border, incorrect duty assessment, cargo examination holds, and in some cases penalties for misclassification. Customs authorities use HS codes to determine duty rates, apply trade restrictions, and flag goods for inspection — an invalid code disrupts all of these checks.
How often do HS codes change?+
The World Customs Organization revises the Harmonized System every 5 years. The current edition is HS 2022 (effective January 1, 2022). Previous editions were HS 2017, HS 2012, HS 2007, and HS 2002. Codes that existed in earlier editions may have been deleted, split, or merged in later editions. If you have not reviewed your product classifications since before 2022, they may be using outdated codes.
Is a 6-digit HS code sufficient for customs declarations?+
No. A 6-digit HS code is the international standard but is rarely sufficient for an actual customs declaration. Most countries require additional digits: the EU uses 8-digit CN codes for import declarations, the US requires 10-digit HTS codes, and the UK uses 10-digit commodity codes. You should always use the full national code for the destination market.