Get HS Codes

The “Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System” (HS Codes are the international standard for reporting goods to customs and other government agencies.

The brainchild of World Customs Organization (WCO), the harmonized system hs coding uses a numerical system which is used by over 150 countries worldwide.

Often displayed as 10-digit code with the first 6-digits being the universal standard which is identical for all countries customs tariffs.

The additional digits used to complete a 10 digit harmonized tariff code are determined by the individual country of import often making the code unique to that country.

Why Is Classification Important?

It is often a legal requirement to declare this when you ship overseas.

Additionally, knowing what you are required to pay when importing goods and your total landed cost exposure is vital to the modern cross-border trader.

Incorrect classification can lead to customs holding items, rejecting items on entry, incurred costs, fines & penalties.

Why Is Classification Difficult?

There are a vast number of HS codes and product descriptions which make it easy to misclassify. Up to 30% of all products sent are said to be misclassified to customs.

HS tariff codes change regularly so keeping up to date with that without a provider like SimplyDuty make it a very difficult task for most businesses.

Who Needs to Provide Tariff Codes?

In most countries, it is the responsibility of the importer to provide codes which are declared to customs, however, given that many buyers don’t have this information to hand often a retailer or exporter will supply the data to their carrier or choice.