Trade glossary · classification

HS chapter (HS2)

Also known as: HS chapter

The first two digits of the Harmonized System code, identifying a broad chapter (e.g. 27 = mineral fuels, 87 = vehicles).

There are 99 HS chapters (some unused). Each chapter contains many headings (HS4) and many more subheadings (HS6). Chapter-level aggregation is useful for high-level analysis; subheading-level lets you look at specific products like passenger cars (870323) or crude oil (270900). World Trade Flows publishes /product hubs at both HS2 chapter level and the highest-volume HS6 codes.

Examples

  • HS 27 (mineral fuels) — largest chapter by 2023 trade value at ~$6.2T.
  • HS 85 (electrical machinery) — ~$4.8T including consumer electronics.
  • HS 87 (vehicles) — ~$3.1T including passenger cars and parts.

Related terms

HS code
Harmonized System code — a 6-digit international classification for traded goods, governed by the World Customs Organization. The first 2 digits = chapter, 4 digits = heading, 6 digits = subheading.
HS6 subheading
The full 6-digit Harmonized System code identifying a specific product line (e.g. 870323 = passenger cars 1500–3000cc).