The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is the official document that governs the classification and duty rates for all goods imported into the United States. Here's everything you need to know about where it comes from, how it's structured, and how to use it.
What Is the USITC?
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is an independent, nonpartisan federal agency that provides trade expertise to both the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government. One of its core responsibilities is publishing and maintaining the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
The USITC does not set tariff rates — that is the role of Congress and the President. The USITC's job is to accurately publish and update the schedule as laws and trade agreements change.
How Often Is the HTS Updated?
The HTS is updated multiple times per year through numbered revisions. The current version used on LookupHTS is 2026 Revision 5. Updates are triggered by:
- New or modified trade agreements (FTAs)
- Congressional legislation
- Presidential proclamations adjusting duty rates
- International HS system updates (every 5–6 years from the WCO)
- Technical corrections and reclassifications
How Is the Schedule Structured?
The HTSUS is organized into 21 sections (broad groupings like "Animal & Vegetable Products" or "Machinery & Mechanical Appliances") and 98 chapters. Within each chapter, products are arranged from broad headings to increasingly specific subheadings.
The schedule also includes:
- Section and Chapter Notes: Legal text that governs what belongs in each section (these take precedence over general descriptions)
- General Notes: Rules that apply across the entire schedule, including country-specific programs
- General Rules of Interpretation: Six rules governing how to classify goods
- Additional U.S. Notes: Country-specific additions beyond the international HS
Where Can I Access the Official Schedule?
The official USITC HTS schedule is available at hts.usitc.gov. It's a comprehensive reference but can be difficult to navigate for beginners. LookupHTS makes the same data searchable in plain English with additional features like the duty calculator and FTA country display.