What is an HS Code and Why are They Used for International Deliveries?

Harmonization System Codes or HS Codes

HS Codes on Untracked Goods will become mandatory across the entire export market. This is to help with the customs journey and avoid lengthy shipping delays.

HS Codes

A HS Code is a numerical code that accurately describes the item in detail. The minimum number of digits is 6, and the maximum is 10. Most countries operate with 8 to 10 digits. Germany insists on 8, and the Republic of Ireland insists on 10 at the moment. Please only use 6, 8, or 10 digits. 

HS Codes, sometimes referred to as Commodity Codes, must only be digits:

   x  no full stops

   x  no commas

   x  no spaces

   x  no question marks

   x  no dashes.

Nothing more than the digits.

The HS Code determines the correct amount of Customs Duty and any VAT or equivalent.  

Currently, an HS Code is mandatory for tracked items and is officially only highly recommended for untracked items. However, the industry is moving towards making it compulsory for untracked items.

Customs authorities worldwide are becoming far stricter about declaring an accurate HS Code. Countries such as the USA, the EU, various destinations in South America, and the Middle East already have stringent controls.

Therefore, Whistl customers must ensure they include an accurate HS Code within the data they send us.

This is now mandatory

Recipient Email Addresses and Telephone/Mobile Numbers

We are frequently asked to supply the recipient's email address and telephone/mobile number if there is a query about the item from Customs or the end carrier. Currently, this is highly recommended, but we can see that this will become mandatory in the near future.

To ensure that your items are delivered to your customers on time, we urge you to supply your recipient's email address and telephone/mobile number wherever possible within the data you send to Whistl from now on.

What are HS Codes?

Developed by the World Customs Organisation as a multipurpose International product nomenclature to describe the type of shipped goods.

Customs officers worldwide must use HS Code information to clear every commodity that enters or crosses international borders.

Product Descriptions for HS Codes

The product description should be as detailed as possible to avoid the parcel being held by customs:

• The type of product
• The material used to make it
• Production method and what it will be used for

Some examples of acceptable and unacceptable product descriptions are below:

Why should your client provide their HS Code?

Provision of the Trade Tariff Code (HS Code) is requested for commercial items to help in the customs clearance process.

This is because the Trade Tariff Code electronically tells the destination country what is in the item, enabling accurate Customs charging and simplified Customs clearance.

If the Trade Tariff Code is not completed or completed incorrectly, the wrong charges could be applied, or in some cases, Customs authorities may take the following actions.

• Stop the parcel and examine it, delaying its journey
• Customs may completely reject the item
• Customs sends the items back
• Customs could destroy the goods
• Your client may incur additional return and handling costs

It is the responsibility of the sending customer to ensure HS Codes are supplied in the data; this is not the responsibility of your parcel carrier. Businesses should review their customs classification policy and identify if any changes are needed based on recent HS Code changes.

HS Code Help & Support

Trade Tariff: look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates

https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff

HMRC classification of goods

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ask-hmrc-for-advice-on-classifying-your-goods

How to ask HMRC for advice

1. Please send one email for each of the goods they are asking advice on; failure to do this could result in rejection.
2. Email the Tariff Classification Service: classification.enquiries@hmrc.gov.uk for non-legally binding advice on classifying your goods.
3. HMRC aim to reply to emails within 5 working days. This could take longer if they have a high number of requests.​​​​​