Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System, better known as the Harmonised System (HS) or Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN), is a method by which every traded product gets a unique serial code.
This unique serial code is used to identify the product and is a great tool to avoid confusion. It is an exporter or importer's responsibility to place their product's HS code appropriately. Furthermore, it is mandatory to include your product's HS code in your shipping paperwork. Forgetting to write it or Incorrect classification can lead to severe consequences. Each country's HS code can vary; for some, it's only six digits, and for some, it's as long as 13.
The HSN code of India comprises of 8 digits, out of which;
There are a total of 97 chapters and 21 sections in HSN. And in total it comprises more than 5000 groups of goods.
Uses Of HS Code:
Moving Forward, let’s have a look at segment-wise HS-Code for different segments:
Section 8 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 41 - 43 )
Chapter Description : Raw Hides and Skins, Leather, Fur skins and Articles thereof; saddlery and Harness; travel goods, Handbags, and similar Containers; Articles of animal gut (other than silk-worm Gut)
Section 09 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 44 - 46 )
Chapter Description : Wood and Articles of Wood; Wood Charcoal; cork and articles or cork; Manufactures of Straw, of Esparto or of other Plaiting Materials; Basketware and Wickerwork
Section 10 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 47 - 49 )
Chapter Description : Pulp of wood or of other Fibrous Cellulosic Material; Recovered (Waste and Scrap) Paper or Paperboard; Paper And Paperboard and articles thereof
Section 11 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 50 - 63 )
Chapter Description : Articles of apparel and clothing accessories knitted or crocheted. Carpets and other textile floor coverings. Cotton, silk, wool, felt, special woven fabrics, etc.
Section 12 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 64 - 67 )
Chapter Description : Footwear, Headgear, Umbrellas, Sun Umbrellas, Walking-sticks, seat-sticks, whips, Riding-crops and Parts thereof; Prepared Feathers and articles Made therewith; artificial Flowers; Articles of Human Hair
Section 13 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 68 - 70)
Chapter Description : Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; Ceramic products; Glass and glassware
Section 14 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 71 - 71)
Chapter Description : Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; Imitation jewellery; Coin.
Section 15 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 72 - 83)
Chapter Description : Base metals and articles of base metal: Iron, copper, zinc, aluminum, lead, tin, nickel, steel. Tools such as spoons, cutlery, etc.
Section 19 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 93 - 93)
Chapter Description : Furniture; Bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; Lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included; Illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; Prefabricated buildings
Section 20 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 94 - 96)
Chapter Description : Toys, games and sports requisites; Parts and accessories thereof. Novelty, works of art, collectors’ pieces and antiques.
Section 19 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 93 - 93)
Chapter Description : Furniture; Bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; Lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included; Illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; Prefabricated buildings
Section 20 - HS Codes List of (Chapter 94 - 96)
Chapter Description : Toys, games and sports requisites; Parts and accessories thereof. Novelty, works of art, collectors’ pieces and antiques.