# Harmonized System (HS)

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Unlike national tariff schedules, which build on and extend it for domestic purposes, the Harmonized System (HS) provides the universal foundation: an international goods nomenclature maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) that classifies commodities worldwide using six-digit codes across more than 5,000 product groups.

Unlike national tariff schedules, which build on and extend it for domestic purposes, the Harmonized System (HS) provides the universal foundation: an international goods nomenclature maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) that classifies commodities worldwide using six-digit codes across more than 5,000 product groups. Regional and national systems—such as the EU's Combined Nomenclature or the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule—add further digits beyond these six to accommodate local requirements. The HS underpins duty determination, trade statistics, import and export controls, and rules of origin in trade agreements. For customs brokers, freight forwarders, and importers, accurate HS classification is one of the most demanding routine tasks: incorrect codes can trigger duty reassessments, shipment holds, and penalties.

**Source:** [https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx](https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Harmonized System (HS) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 115 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/harmonized-system-hs-2](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/harmonized-system-hs-2)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/harmonized-system-hs-2](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/harmonized-system-hs-2)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/harmonized-system-hs-2/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/harmonized-system-hs-2/llm-summary?lang=en)*