Revolutionizing Harmonized System (HS) Code Search with Semantic Search and Word Embeddings: Empowering Trade Classifications
Supamas Sitisara, Supakpong Jinarat, Witchayut Ngamsaard, Nanthi Suthikarnnarunai · Forum for Linguistic Studies · 2025
The Harmonized System (HS) code is a crucial component of global trade. It helps classify goods correctly so that taxes and duties can be applied fairly and consistently across countries. However, many current HS code search tools rely on exact keyword matches. This often causes problems like wrong results, confusion, delays, and frustration, especially for users who don't know the exact terms to search for. These mistakes can also lead to incorrect tax charges and trade issues. This study introduces a new and innovative approach to searching for HS codes. It uses semantic search and word embedding models, advanced tools from natural language processing (NLP), to understand the meaning behind what users are asking, even if they don't use the exact right words. This approach makes the search more accurate, faster, and much easier for people to use. The study includes real examples, testing, and comparisons with traditional methods to show how this new system works better. The results clearly show that it improves both speed and accuracy, helping customs officers, brokers, traders, and regulators do their jobs more efficiently and correctly. By reducing errors and making the process smoother, this new system offers a big step forward in trade technology. It shows how artificial intelligence can help make international trade more reliable, user-friendly, and ready for the future.