How do I read the Harmonized System of Tariffs (HTSUS)?
The HTSUS is based on an 8-digit system for classification of products. Under this system, the first two digits represent the general category of an item; and the remaining six digits denote sub-categories to greater degrees of specificity. For example, the initial two digits 08 denote the category of “edible fruits and nuts.” Product number 0802.50.20 refers to pistachios in the shell and 0802.50.40 refers to shelled pistachios. The HTSUS lists the normal trade relations (NTR) (formerly MFN) tariff rate in column 1 (in the “General’, subcolumn). Special duty-free treatment (such as for GSP) is identified in the HTSUS column 1’s “Special” subcolumn and the tariff rate for non-NTR countries is listed in column 2 . In the “Special” subcolumn of column 1, the product’s eligibility for GSP is denoted by an “All” (duty-free for all GSP beneficiaries), or an “A+” (duty-free for LDBDCs). (Note: The letter “A*” (asterisk)” in the Special Tariff Rate column indicates products that are GSP-eligi
