How to Find HS Codes for Beginners: 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid

For Oversea Exporters to Japan

When starting overseas imports or cross-border e-commerce, you will inevitably encounter HS codes.

These codes determine taxes (customs duties) and import procedures. If used incorrectly, they can lead to unnecessary taxes or delays in import clearance.

HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is a globally standardized product classification code. In Japan, it is used for:

  • Determining customs duty rates
  • Import regulations
  • Statistical management

Customs authorities use HS codes to:

  • Set duty rates
  • Determine whether an item is regulated
  • Verify the accuracy of import declarations

If the HS code is ambiguous or incorrect, customs clearance is more likely to be delayed.

This guide explains, from a customs expert’s perspective, how beginners can correctly find and use HS codes, including common pitfalls and examples for food, general merchandise, and electronics.

Understanding HS Codes: Basics for Beginners

What HS Codes Are

  • Definition: A globally standardized β€œproduct classification number”
  • Official name: Harmonized System Code

What HS Codes Determine

  • Customs duty rates: How much tax is applied
  • Import regulations: Food inspections, Radio Law, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, etc.
  • Procedures: Whether a declaration or approval is required

Structure of an HS Code (Example)

4901.99-000
β”‚ β”‚ └─ Domestic 4-digit sub-classification
β”‚ └──── HS 6-digit international code
└──────── HS 2-digit major category

HS codes are essential for import procedures and customs duty determination. Beginners often struggle with which code to select or where to search. This guide lays out the basic steps to find the correct HS code so that even first-timers can avoid mistakes.

Before searching, it’s helpful to understand at which stage the HS code is needed in the import process. For more context:
β†’ [What Is NACCSοΌŸΒ β€“ Japan Import Guide]

How to Find HS Codes Using the Customs Tariff Search

Step 1: Open the Tariff Search

Step 2: Search by Product Name

  • Enter the product name in the search box at the top.
  • Examples: β€œcoffee,” β€œnotebook,” β€œheadphones”
  • Tip: Search in English for better results
  • Use generic names, not brand names

Example: Coffee beans β†’ β€œcoffee beans”

Step 3: Select the Correct Item from the List

When multiple results appear, consider:

  • Raw materials
  • Processing status
  • Usage
  • Material

Choose the one that matches your product most closely.

Examples:

  • Green coffee beans β†’ 0901.11
  • Roasted coffee β†’ 0901.21

Step 4: Check Duty Rates and Regulations

Click the selected item to confirm:

  • Duty rates (WTO, provisional rates)
  • Import regulations (Food Sanitation Act, Radio Law, etc.)
  • Notes and exclusions based on material or structure

Only after this step can you be confident you have the correct HS code.
Factors like material, usage, and processing significantly affect classification.

Examples:

  • Food: Processed vs unprocessed
  • Merchandise: Wood vs plastic material
  • Electronics: Function or usage differences

Examples of HS Codes for Common Products

FoodHS Code (6-digit)NotesMerchandiseHS Code (6-digit)NotesElectronicsHS Code (6-digit)Notes
Green coffee beans090111UnroastedPlastic cups392410KitchenwareWireless earbuds851830Bluetoothβ€”Radio Law applies
Roasted coffee090121RoastedWooden spoons441990Wooden itemsLaptop847130Data processing equipment
Chocolate180631Sugar content affects classificationNotebook (paper)482010Ring or no ring not relevantElectric kettle851679Household electric appliance
Jam200710Fruit type may adjust classificationSynthetic leather bag420222Material importantLED lamp940540Household lighting

Key Tips:

  • Do not use the HS code from the exporting country; sub-codes differ by country.

Common Beginner Mistakes

β‘  Classifying by product name alone

Using an HS code found online without verifying details is risky.
Customs checks why the code applies to your product.

β‘‘ Ignoring material or usage

The same product name may have multiple HS codes depending on material or usage.

Examples:

  • Metal parts vs plastic parts β†’ different codes

β‘’ Leaving it to the exporter

Suppliers’ HS codes often do not match Japanese customs standards.
The final responsibility lies with the importer.

What to Do if You Can’t Determine the HS Code

Sometimes there is no single β€œcorrect” code. In that case:

  • Document why you selected the code
  • Compare with other candidate codes
  • Keep the explanation ready

In practice, importers combine:

  • Past customs records
  • Similar product examples
  • Advance consultation with customs

If Customs Questions Your HS Code

Customs may say:

  • β€œThis HS code cannot be accepted.”
  • β€œConsider another classification.”

Steps to handle this:

  1. Review the reason provided by customs
  2. Organize product information (specs, photos, etc.)
  3. Submit a corrected declaration or explanatory materials

Summary: How to Approach HS Codes

HS codes are not for memorization. You need to:

  • Understand your product accurately
  • Learn the classification logic
  • Be able to explain your choice

Incorrect declarations can cause delays, duty adjustments, and reputational issues. By following these steps and understanding the key points, you can prevent most customs problems.

Reference Link

1️⃣ Japan Customs – Tariff Search
Official HS code and tariff lookup tool.
πŸ‘‰ https://www.customs.go.jp/searchtc/jtcsv001.jsp

2️⃣ Japan Customs – Harmonized System Overview
Explains HS codes, classification, and duty calculations.
πŸ‘‰ https://www.customs.go.jp/english/tariff/

3️⃣ Japan Customs – Import Procedures & Regulations
Details import rules, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
πŸ‘‰ https://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/customsanswer_e.htm

4️⃣ Japan Ministry of Finance – Customs Handbook
Provides practical examples and guidelines for HS classification.
πŸ‘‰ https://www.customs.go.jp/english/