International HS Codes: What You Need to Know

In July 2023, Parcelhub announced significant changes to its international shipping services, enabling customers to send goods more easily. We introduced the mandatory use of HS Codes for our International Insight product and validated the weight of each item.

This page explains HS codes for international shipping and their implications for your business.

Discover more about what HS codes are and why they are used.

Harmonised System Codes for International Shipping at Parcelhub

HS Codes Validation

Although HS codes were already mandatory for International Tracked, as of July 17, 2023, Parcelhub also made HS codes mandatory for our International Insight service, too.

Parcelhub has set up validation steps to ensure the data you are supplying is correct

Validation steps have been implemented to ensure the data you provide is accurate. Remember, if an HS code is not included or is incorrectly formatted (no full stops/commas/hyphens allowed), you cannot print a label for your International Insight item.

​HS Codes for International Deliveries

We brought in validation for the weight of each item. The product weight must match that of the parcel weight, and if this is not the case, you will not be able to print a label for your International Insight item. For example, if your parcel contains three items weighing 150g each, the overall weight must be 450g or greater, if you include any packaging.

Please also be aware that the maximum product weight for an International Insight item is 2kg.

Benefits of HS Codes for International Shipping

Harmonised system codes for international shipping offer standardised numerical codes to classify goods in trade. They are critical for customs processes, providing benefits such as:

1. Precise customs declarations: HS codes for international shipping ensure that items are correctly identified at borders, reducing the risk of misclassification and streamlining the customs process.​​​​​
2. Accurate duties and taxes: HS codes help calculate customs duties, import taxes, and tariffs, ensuring your company only pays the required amount.
3. Compliance: HS codes help ensure compliance with import and export regulations, sanctions, and trade agreements. Staying legally compliant will help your business avoid costly issues.
4. Improved supply chain management: With international HS codes, your organisation can track and manage inventory more effectively across borders. They also help maintain consistent product classifications.

​​​​​​Find out more about HS Codes and standards.

Have a Question about HS Codes for International Shipping?

If you have a query about international HS codes, please don’t hesitate to contact us. As a top-quality customs clearance agent, we can provide your business with various services to help your parcels move from A to B, encompassing customs clearance, freight forwarding, tracking, and final-mile delivery.