HS Code Finder for Indian Exports
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
- Published:
- Last modified:
A guide to finding the 8-digit ITC(HS) code for exported goods using the official DGFT search, with no code list stored.
Search the official ITC(HS) schedule on the DGFT ITC(HS) search. The steps below explain how to read the result.
What does the HS Code Finder for Indian Exports calculate?
| Item | Type | What it means | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product description | Input | What the goods are, their material, use and form | Exporters starting a code search |
| Chapter or heading | Input | The two or four digit group found while browsing | Exporters narrowing down the group |
| 8-digit ITC(HS) code | Output | The code that appears on the shipping bill and export policy | Goods exporters filing shipping bills |
| Export policy | Output | The policy shown against the code on DGFT | Exporters checking restrictions |
How is the HS Code Finder for Indian Exports calculation done?
The HS code finder is a guide with no code database. The goods are matched to a chapter and heading by description, then to an 8-digit ITC(HS) code on the DGFT website, which offers a feature to explore import and export policy by 8-digit HS code.
Goods description -> chapter (2 digits) -> heading (4 digits) -> 8-digit ITC(HS) item -> check export policy
For example, an exporter of cotton shirts reads the chapter titles, picks the chapter on apparel, narrows to the heading for shirts, then selects the 8-digit item on DGFT and notes its export policy. The path here is an example, not a code.
How do you use the HS Code Finder for Indian Exports?
- Write down what the goods are made of, how they are used and their form.
- Open the DGFT website and use the feature to explore import and export policy by 8-digit HS code.
- Search by words or browse by chapter and heading, and read the item descriptions.
- Pick the item that matches the goods fully and note the 8-digit code and its export policy.
- Confirm the code with the customs broker before filing the shipping bill.
What does your result mean?
The result is the 8-digit ITC(HS) code and the export policy shown against it. A code with a free policy has no export restriction listed there. Where several items look close, the goods description and the explanatory notes decide, and the customs broker can confirm.
- 8-digit code: Used on the shipping bill and for finding the RoDTEP and drawback entry.
- Policy: Shows whether export is free, restricted or prohibited.
- Close matches: Read the full item text before choosing.
- Doubt: Ask the customs broker if two items fit.
What does the HS Code Finder for Indian Exports assume, and what does it not cover?
- No dataset: The page stores no codes or policies. All lookups use the official DGFT search.
- Digit level: Export reporting uses 8 digits under ITC(HS).
- Not covered: Binding classification rulings, duty rates and import codes.
- Services: Services have purpose codes, not HS codes.
What do people get wrong when calculating this?
- Chapter only: Stopping at the two or four digit level.
- Name matching: Choosing a code by product name without reading the item text.
- Old code: Copying a code from an old invoice.
- Services: Looking for an HS code for a service.
Which rules should you know about this?
DGFT publishes the ITC(HS) classification and has digitised the import and export policy for 8-digit HS codes, with a discover feature on its home page, as described on the DGFT ITC(HS) page. The code also decides the RoDTEP and drawback entry.
Related guides: what is hs code, rodtep calculator.
How did we verify this?
Every rule and fee is linked to its official or first-party source below with the date it was checked. The full method is on the methodology page.
- DGFT ITC(HS) import and export policy, DGFT has embarked on digitising the entire import and export policy for HS Codes... a discover feature ... to explore the Import and Export Policy for various 8-Digit HS Codes. (checked 9 Oct 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Where can the ITC(HS) code for exported goods be searched?
DGFT states it has digitised the import and export policy for HS codes and provides a discover feature on its home page to explore the policy for 8-digit HS codes. Use that feature with a product description or chapter. Read the full item description before choosing the final code.
How many digits does the ITC(HS) code for exports have?
DGFT describes its digitised policy as covering 8-digit HS codes. The 8-digit ITC(HS) item is the level used to look up export policy, so a two or four digit heading alone is not enough for filing. Confirm the digits against the shipping bill format.
Does the HS code finder page list codes?
The HS code finder page lists no codes. It explains how to search the official DGFT tool, so the result is always read from the current official classification and not from a copy that may be out of date. Always use the live DGFT search for the final answer.
Why is the HS code needed for RoDTEP and duty drawback?
Both benefits are looked up against the tariff item of the goods, so the 8-digit code decides which entry applies. A wrong code can lead to the wrong rate, which the related calculators then carry through. Check the schedule version in force on the export date.
Do services need an HS code?
An HS code classifies goods. Services exported from India are reported with RBI purpose codes in the FETERS list, not HS codes. See the related pages for purpose code guidance. Goods and services are reported through different systems. Check the official page again before each filing, since details can change over time and the tool does not update itself.