The Harmonized System (HS) code is an international method of classifying products for customs declaration and trading purposes.

It is used by customs officials around the world to determine the duties, taxes and regulations that apply to products entering their country. The HS code system basically uses the same 6-digit number internationally to identify basic commodities. Each country is allowed to add additional digits in their own country to suit their statistical or trading needs. In Hong Kong, 8 digits are used for import and export declaration whereas in the USA, EU and China up to 10 digits of HS codes are used. The mentioned codes don't tally exactly with those used in China. But the first 4 digits (the HS heading) should be be same in Singapore, China and all around the world. According to China and Singapore Free Trade Agreement, preferential tariff rates shall apply to certain goods originating in Singapore. But the goods included in the mentioned HS Headings 8515, 8486 and 8479 have not yet been granted preferential duty treatment in China. Please click here for the Chinese Harmonized Tariff Codes and rate schedules provided by the China Customs (text in Chinese) http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/per/Classification+of+Goods.htm