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What is an HS code (tariff code)?

Tariff-classification tool: find the Mexican tariff code (HS code) for any product.

Type in Spanish or English. You can also paste a 6- to 8-digit HS code.

What is an HS code?

An HS code — also called an HS tariff code (in Mexico, fracción arancelaria) — is the number that classifies a product for customs. Its meaning is the same everywhere: the first 6 digits are an international standard shared by 200+ countries. Mexico uses an 8-digit tariff line, extended to 10 digits (NICO). The code determines the duties, taxes and rules that apply when the product is imported.

HS code, tariff code and tariff classification: the same thing?

They're closely related. Tariff classification is the process of assigning the right code to a product; the HS code / tariff code is the result. In Mexico the official term is fracción arancelaria.

Structure of an HS code

The code is read from the general to the specific. Each pair of digits narrows the category:

Parts of an HS code: how it's built

An HS code is built by reading its digits in pairs, from the broadest category to the most specific:

  • Chapter (digits 1-2): the broad family of goods (e.g. 84 = machinery and mechanical appliances).
  • Heading (digits 1-4): the product group within the chapter.
  • Subheading (digits 1-6): the international Harmonized System level, identical across 200+ countries.
  • Tariff line (digits 7-8): the detail Mexico adds — this is the 8-digit fracción arancelaria.
  • NICO (digits 9-10): the commercial ID number that pinpoints the goods further.

HS code example

Take a laptop: it belongs to chapter 84, heading 8471 (data-processing machines), and its Mexican HS code is 84715001, where you can see the countries of origin and import volume. See more real examples: the HS code for tequila, avocado or mezcal.

The Harmonized System (HS)

The first 6 digits are the same worldwide — they come from the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System, used by 200+ countries. Mexico adds digits 7-8 (fracción) and 9-10 (NICO) for its own detail.

What is an HS code used for?

The HS code tells you exactly what applies to goods at customs: the duty rate, taxes, non-tariff regulations and restrictions, permits and trade-agreement benefits. That's why classifying correctly matters — a wrong code means over- or under-paying duties, fines or held shipments.

How to find the HS code for a product

Search the product in our free tool and get the matching tariff codes with countries of origin and import volume. Open the HS code search →

Frequently asked questions

What is an HS code?

It's the number that classifies a product at customs. In Mexico it's called fracción arancelaria and has 8 digits (10 with the NICO).

What is an HS code used for?

To determine the duty rate, taxes, non-tariff regulations, permits and trade-agreement benefits that apply to goods when they're imported.

What are the parts of an HS code?

Chapter (digits 1-2), heading (1-4), subheading (1-6, the international HS level), tariff line or fracción (7-8, Mexico) and NICO (9-10).

What's the difference between a heading and a tariff line?

The heading has 4 digits and groups similar products; the tariff line (fracción) has 8 digits and identifies the specific product in Mexico.

How many digits does a Mexican HS code have?

8 digits for the fracción arancelaria, extended to 10 with the NICO (commercial ID number).