Exporting · 6 min read · Updated Jun 20, 2026
HS codes for Indian exports: what they are and how to find yours
An HS code is how the world's customs systems agree on what your product is. Get it right and duties are calculated correctly; get it wrong and parcels get held. Here's how to find yours.
How the code is built
The Harmonized System is an international standard. The first six digits are the same worldwide; India adds two more for its own tariff schedule (the ITC-HS, eight digits). The first two digits are the chapter (the broad category), and it narrows from there.
Why it matters for you
- It sets the import duty the destination country charges your buyer.
- It appears on your commercial invoice and customs declaration.
- A wrong code can mean an overcharge to the buyer, a held parcel, or a compliance flag.
Finding the right code for a craft
Search the ITC-HS schedule by what the item is made of and what it does. A silk scarf, a ceramic bowl, a brass figurine, and a leather bag each sit in different chapters. When two codes seem to fit, pick the one that most specifically describes the article.
Frequently asked
- Do I use the 6-digit or 8-digit code?
- Use India's 8-digit ITC-HS code on Indian export documents. The first six digits are what the destination country reads for its tariff.
- What if my product is made of several materials?
- Classification usually follows the material or component that gives the item its essential character. When in doubt, confirm with a broker.