What Is HS Code?

An HS code is a number that tells customs what a product is. Every product traded across borders is placed in a category, and the category has a code. Two businesses that ship the same product should use the same code, which helps officials apply the same rules and duties. DGFT has digitised India's import and export policy by 8-digit HS code, so the code is also how an exporter checks whether a product is free to export or has conditions. The code describes goods only. A freelancer who sells design, software or consulting does not ship goods and has no HS code to quote on an invoice. Such supplies are services, and the invoice describes the service instead.

For example, a Jaipur exporter ships hand-block printed cotton cushion covers to a buyer in Canada. The exporter finds the 8-digit HS code for cushion covers, checks the export policy for that code on the DGFT site, and uses the same code on the invoice and export documents.

• Export policy: DGFT states that it has digitised the import and export policy by HS code and offers a lookup for 8-digit HS codes. The code decides which policy entry you read.
• Bank compliance: Your AD bank may ask what was exported when it matches a payment to an export. A clear product description with the code on the invoice helps. Check with your AD bank which details it wants.
• GST: The HS code is also a classification used in tax invoices for goods. Ask your tax adviser which code length your turnover requires.
• Services: Freelancers and service exporters do not use an HS code. The relevant label for a service is its purpose code on the payment side.

An HS code is built in levels. The first digits give the broad product group and later digits narrow it down to the exact product.

1. Describe the product by material, use and form.
2. Search the code list for the matching group and narrow it down to the exact entry.
3. Check the DGFT export policy entry for that 8-digit code.
4. Enter the same code on the invoice and the export documents.
5. If two codes seem possible, ask your customs broker or the customs authority before shipping.

Find the code that matches your product, check its export policy on DGFT, and use the same code across your documents. Do not change codes between documents for the same shipment.

1. Write down what the product is made of and what it is used for.
2. Use the HS Code Finder on this site or the DGFT lookup to find the code.
3. Open the DGFT policy entry for the 8-digit code and read any conditions.
4. Put the code on the commercial invoice.
5. Give the same code to your customs broker for the shipping bill.
6. Keep a record of why you picked the code, in case a bank or officer asks.

• Services: Some freelancers think they need an HS code for invoices. HS codes classify goods, so a services invoice does not use one.
• One code: A single product name can match several codes. The exact material and use decide the right entry.
• Same everywhere: The early digits are shared across countries, but the full 8-digit code used for Indian export policy is checked on DGFT, so do not copy a code from a foreign buyer without checking.
• Free choice: The code is not a matter of preference. A wrong code can lead to questions from customs or a bank.

• Shipping bill: The customs document an exporter files for goods.
• Commercial invoice: The invoice that describes goods sold to an overseas buyer.
• DGFT: The regulator that publishes India's foreign trade policy.
• RoDTEP: A scheme for remission of duties and taxes on exported products.
• Duty drawback: A refund scheme for duties paid on inputs of exported goods.

Every rule and definition on this page is linked to its official source, checked on the dates below.

1. DGFT, ITC-HS Codes and HS Code Digits, 8-digit HS code lookup for import and export policy (checked 9 Oct 2026)