How to Search U.S. Import Records by HS Code

Searching U.S. import records by HS code can narrow trade data to a product category. Use the code as one search term, then review the records’ descriptions, company matches, sources, and dates. Coverage and record quality vary, so a result is a lead for research rather than a complete view of the market.

How to search by HS code

1. Choose a code relevant to the product you are researching. If the classification is uncertain, compare it with product descriptions rather than relying on the code alone.
2. In Trade Data, search by HS code or product description. Add available filters such as country, port, importer, exporter, or date range to focus the results.
3. Open representative records. Review the reported product, trading parties, date, route, and any volume or value fields shown.
4. Check the importer or exporter against company details such as name, website, and location. Resolve aliases and possible duplicate companies before treating records as belonging to one organization.
5. Note the query, filters, source, record date, and unresolved questions. Use that context to decide whether more company research is warranted.

The current trade-data search guide describes the available search and review steps.

What an HS code can and cannot tell you

A code can make a search more focused than a broad product term. It does not guarantee that all relevant records use that code, that every result describes the same product, or that the named parties have been matched to the correct companies. Compare the classification with the record description and check the source and date.

For example, a sourcing team researching insulated drinkware could search a relevant product classification, then inspect the returned descriptions and companies. Some records may describe different goods or refer to an intermediary. The team should verify the company and product context before adding a supplier to its shortlist.

Shipment records report activity captured by their sources. They do not by themselves establish current demand, supplier quality, a person’s role in a purchase, or permission to contact someone. Use them to decide what to research next, and apply the relevant contact rules before outreach.