Calculator Inputs
Provide structured product details, then compare the ranked code suggestions.
Formula Used
This tool uses a weighted screening model rather than a legal tariff ruling. Each candidate HS heading starts with a small base score. The calculator then adds weighted points for category, material, use, processing level, power profile, wearable status, medical relevance, food relevance, children’s relevance, and detected keywords.
Scoring model:
Candidate Score = Base Score + Category Weight + Material Weight + Use Weight + Processing Weight + Flag Weights + Keyword Weights
Confidence is a relative ranking indicator built from the top result score and the candidate’s own score. It helps compare suggestions, but it is not a customs approval score.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the product name and a plain-language description.
- Select the closest category, material, primary use, and processing level.
- Mark flags such as wearable, medical, food-contact, or children-focused.
- Add useful keywords like charger, toy, bandage, backpack, or notebook.
- Submit the form to view the top-ranked code suggestions.
- Review the reasons, compare alternative headings, and export the results.
- Confirm the final code with chapter notes, customs guidance, and your destination market schedule.
Example Data Table
| Product | Category | Material | Use | Processing | Key Flag | Likely HS Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton T-shirt | Apparel | Cotton | Personal Use | Finished Consumer Product | Wearable = Yes | 6109 |
| Wireless charger | Electronics | Electronic Components | Power Delivery | Finished Consumer Product | Power = Mains | 8504 |
| Plastic food container | Packaging | Plastic | Packaging | Finished Consumer Product | Food-contact = Yes | 3923 |
| Children’s toy blocks | Toys | Plastic | Play | Kit or Set | Children = Yes | 9503 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does this tool give a legally binding HS code?
No. It offers ranked screening suggestions based on product attributes. Final classification should be verified against tariff notes, customs rulings, and country-specific schedules.
2. Why does the tool show multiple code options?
Many products fit more than one plausible heading until construction, principal function, packaging, and chapter notes are reviewed. Multiple options help you compare close matches.
3. Can I use keywords only?
Yes, but accuracy improves when category, material, use, and processing level are also selected. Better structured inputs produce stronger ranking signals.
4. What if my product has mixed materials?
Select mixed material and describe the dominant material in the product description. Customs classification often depends on essential character and primary function.
5. Does target country change the result?
The main heading often stays similar, but subheadings, notes, and local rulings can differ. Always confirm the final schedule for your destination market.
6. Why is confidence not always very high?
Confidence is a ranking indicator, not a customs certainty score. Broad or incomplete descriptions naturally reduce the tool’s ability to separate close headings.
7. Can this help with catalog cleanup?
Yes. It is useful for first-pass classification, product audits, data enrichment, and reviewing large ecommerce catalogs before manual trade compliance checks.
8. Which details improve accuracy most?
Product function, dominant material, whether it is a finished good or component, packaging style, and plain-language keywords usually improve matching the most.