Learn what Harmonized System codes are, how U.S. Census import data uses them, and how Amazon sellers use HS codes to validate category demand.
Amazon product research often starts with keyword tools and competitor ASINs. HS codes add a upstream signal: how much of a product category is actually entering the U.S. market, and whether that volume is growing month over month.
Because Census reports imports by HS code — not by brand — you get an honest view of category demand without relying on Amazon-only proxies.
Start with a product idea or keyword. Search SourceLucid to find matching HS codes and review import value, MoM growth, and country share.
Compare multiple HS codes in the same niche. A single keyword may map to several codes with different economics and tariff exposure.
Cross-check with Amazon demand tools. Import growth plus rising Amazon search volume is a stronger signal than either alone.
Treating HS codes as exact product matches — codes cover broad categories, not individual SKUs.
Ignoring tariff rates and China share when comparing otherwise attractive categories.
Assuming high import value equals easy Amazon success — competition, seasonality, and compliance still matter.
An HS (Harmonized System) code is a standardized numeric classification for traded goods. U.S. import statistics are published at the HS level, making them useful for category-level product research.
No. Census data is aggregated by product category, not by brand or ASIN. HS codes tell you whether a category is growing — not which SKU to launch.
Search your product category on SourceLucid. We map keywords to relevant HS codes using Census descriptions and AI-assisted expansion.