The Office of Tariff Affairs & Trade Agreements (TATA) has launched a new Section 1205 page to the Harmonized Tariff Information section of usitc.gov that outlines the USITC’s role in amending the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) to conform with amendments to the Harmonized System (HS).

The new page also includes links to information on the USITC’s current and past Section 1205 investigations, as well as additional background information on the World Customs Organization (WCO) - the international body that develops and administers the HS.

In January 2026, the World Customs Organization (WCO) published recommended 299 groups of amendments to the HS that the WCO proposes will enter into force on January 1, 2028. These updates reflect evolving trade patterns, technological progress, and growing regulatory needs.

Examples of changes to the HS include new headings and subheadings for health-emergency supplies, dietary supplements, vaccines, controlled chemicals, hazardous and plastic waste, and internationally regulated narcotics. The updated HS also revises classifications across a broad range of products, including agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, waste materials, manufacturing equipment, energy-efficient and renewable technologies, and consumer and electric devices.

The HS, which is maintained by the WCO, provides uniform product architecture for the customs tariffs and statistical nomenclatures of all major trading countries of the world, including the United States. The USITC began its periodic review to recommend to the President modifications to the HTS as the Commission considers necessary or appropriate to conform the HTS with the HS in August 2025.

Visit the new Section 1205 page to learn more.