HS Commodity Codes
HS code is short for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System - a list of numbers developed by the World Customs Organization, used by customs internationally to classify products for import/export.
If you want to ship your products internationally, you'll want to ensure your Product data includes HS codes. These provide couriers and customs with information to accurately calculate tariffs and avoid cross-border delays.
World Customs Organization (WCO)
The WCO is an independent intergovernmental body representing 183 customs administrations around the World, covering 98% of international trade. Their mission is to develop international standards in product referencing to facilitate efficient and fair customs regulations. The WCO established and maintains the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS codes) comprising of more than 5,000 commodity groups.
HS code format
Commodity groups are identified by a six-digit HS code - comprising of three sets of two-digit codes, representing three
levels of categorisation. For example, let's say you're selling men's silk tie. Your HS code would be 6215.10.
62- Textiles and Articles (not knitted or crocheted)15- Ties, bow ties and cravats10- Made of silk or silk waste
HS numbers are the same in every country, therefore you should include the six-digit HS code on any export documents that are used by both the exporter and the importer. That typically includes the commercial invoices and certificates of origin.
10-digit commodity codes
Many countries extend the international six-digit standard to further classify products. For example, the United Kingdom
and United States use ten-digit commodity codes (HTS codes and Schedule B numbers in the US are used for imports and exports respectively), which include a subheading
and statistical suffix. For example, using our previous example, our silk tie with an HS code of 6215.10 may
be further classified:
6215.10.00.10- a UK Commodity Code representing a hand-made silk tie.6215.10.00.40- a US HTS code representing a tie containing 70% or more silk.
Finding HS/Commodity codes
There are various places you can find an HS code. We recommend using your own Government website for example:
- United Kingdom - Trade Tariff Commodity Codes
- United States Census Bureau - Schedule B Codes (exports)
- United States - HTS Codes (imports)
Other helpful websites:
Avoiding issues with imports/exports
- Responsibility
You are responsible for providing correct commodity codes in your export paperwork. - Accuracy
Use online tools to research the correct commodity codes for the destination of your goods. You may find your goods may be classified under multiple headings. In this scenario, ensure you use the commodity codes that best describes your product. - Changeability
The HS codes standard is updated every five years, which means some products may be subject to new classifications. Additionally, trade agreements offering reduced tariffs on some goods may be subject to change.
Although Evance supports 10-digit commodity codes we recommend adding 6-digit HS codes to your Product data as these are internationally recognised. You can add Commodity codes to your Product settings, or import them via CSV.
- In the left menu, click on Products icon. Or, search for a product.
- Once you have located your product scroll down to the Settings area.
- Within Settings scroll down to the Sales Information section. Here you will find the Commodity Code field.
- Enter the 6-digit HS Code (recommended) with numbers only.
- Press the save button at the bottom of the Setting form.