HS Chapter

Structural level of the WCO Harmonized System.

Definition

The Chapter is the 2-digit level of the Harmonized System: chapters 1 to 97 (with 77 reserved) are grouped into 21 sections in Roman numerals. The first two digits of an HS code designate the chapter, the next two the heading (4 digits) and the last two the subheading (6 digits).

Origin

Defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (1988).

Example in context

Chapter 09 = "Coffee, tea, maté and spices"; heading 0901 = coffee, subheading 0901.21 = roasted non-decaffeinated coffee.

Related terms

• WCO HS codes — the full 6-digit code.
• HSN — the Harmonized System Nomenclature.