How to Use HS Code

HS uses number code in classifying goods. The number code represents the goods description which is composed systematically. The numbering system in HS is divided into Chapter (2-digits), heading (4-digits), and sub-heading (6-digits) with the following explanations:

For example, code HS 0101.11.xx.xx taken from BTBMI (10 digits)

01  01  11  xx  xx

__                                           Chapter 1

_____                                   Heading 01. 01

________                           Sub-heading 0101. 11

___________                   Sub-heading ASEAN, ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN)

______________           Heading Indonesia Customs Tariff Book (BTKI)

• Chapter, where a good classification is represented by first two digits; the above example shows that the good is classified on Chapter 1.
• The next two digits or first four digits show the heading on the respective chapter; in this example the good is classified in the heading 01.01.
• The first six digits shows sub-heading of the respective heading and chapter. On the above example, the good is classified in sub-heading 0101.11.
• The first eight digits is the heading from AHTN text.
• The ten digits show the heading of national tariff taken from BTKI, the tariff heading shows the amount of charge (BM, PPN, PPnBM, or duties) and the trade regulation.

HS has a six-digits number for the classification, each country that signed the HS convention or contracting Party can develop a classification of six-digit number to be more specific in accordance with respective Government policy while remains under the provisions of the HS six-digits. In Indonesia alone, the classification system uses 10-digits numbering system in Indonesia Customs Tariff Book (BTKI) which is a further elaboration of the sub-headings in the HS six-digit.