HS code classification workflow

8 min read Updated February 12, 2026

What Are HS Codes?

Harmonized System (HS) codes are standardized numerical codes used worldwide to classify traded products. The first 6 digits are internationally standardized; additional digits (up to 10 in the US HTS) are country-specific.

Classification Workflow

A typical HS classification workflow with ComplianceGrid involves three steps:

### Step 1: Search for Candidate Codes

Use the search endpoint to find HS codes matching a product description:

bash

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer $CG_TOKEN" \
  "https://api.compliancegrid.ai/v1/hs/search?q=stainless+steel+kitchen+knife"

### Step 2: AI-Assisted Classification

For more precise classification, use the AI classifier with detailed product attributes:

bash

curl -X POST https://api.compliancegrid.ai/v1/hs/classify \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $CG_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "description": "Stainless steel kitchen knife set",
    "countryOfOrigin": "CN",
    "material": "stainless steel",
    "intendedUse": "kitchen cutlery"
  }'

The response includes the recommended HTS number, confidence level, duty rate, and reasoning.

### Step 3: Verify and Apply

Review the classification result, verify it against your product knowledge, and apply it to your customs documentation. For high-value or complex goods, we recommend human review of AI classifications.

Confidence Levels

HIGH — Strong match based on description, material, and use case
MEDIUM — Likely correct but could benefit from additional product details
LOW — Multiple possible classifications; provide more specific attributes

Duty Rate Lookups

Once you have an HS code, retrieve duty rates by destination country:

bash

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer $CG_TOKEN" \
  "https://api.compliancegrid.ai/v1/hs/8211.91.80/duties?destination=US"

Was this article helpful?