HS codes for Korea, Japan and China: why the digits differ
Updated
The first six digits of an HS code are the same worldwide; after that every country adds its own. Mixing them up is one of the most common errors on documents for East Asian trade.
The international part: six digits
The Harmonized System (HS) is maintained by the World Customs Organization and used by more than 200 economies. It classifies goods into chapters (2 digits), headings (4 digits) and subheadings (6 digits).
| Level | Digits | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 2 | 84 — Machinery and mechanical appliances |
| Heading | 4 | 8471 — Automatic data-processing machines |
| Subheading | 6 | 8471.30 — Portable machines weighing not more than 10 kg |
National digits
| Country | Code | Length |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | HSK | 10 digits |
| Japan | Statistical code (統計品目番号) | 9 digits |
| China | Customs commodity code | 10 digits; 13 on declarations with the 3-digit inspection and quarantine (CIQ) code |
| United States | HTSUS | 10 digits |
| European Union | CN / TARIC | 8 / 10 digits |
Only the first six digits are shared. A 10-digit Korean HSK code is not valid in Japan or China, and the national digits for the same product are often different.
Common mistakes
- Putting the exporter's own national code on documents for the importing country. The buyer's customs broker needs the importing country's code.
- Using a code that changed in a revision of the HS. The HS is amended about every five years; the current edition is HS 2022, and national tariffs also change between editions.
- Classifying from the product name alone instead of its material, function and use.
- Leaving codes off the invoice when the importing country requires one per line.
When unsure, check the importing country's official tariff schedule or ask its customs authority for an advance ruling.
How LADEO helps
LADEO checks HS codes against the official Korean (10-digit) and Japanese (9-digit) tariff tables and flags codes that do not exist. AI can suggest candidate codes from the goods description, but every suggestion needs your confirmation — responsibility for classification stays with you and your customs broker. See also what a commercial invoice should contain.