Products shipped internationally are classified under the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding system - generally called the “Harmonised System” (HS). More than 200 countries use the system for customs tariffs and collecting international trade statistics and duty revenue.
HS has around 5,000 commodity groups, each identified by a six-digit code arranged in a legal and logical structure. It is supported by well-defined rules to ensure uniform classification.
Are HS Tariff Codes required for each of the items in my exports?
Best practice is that all items in eCommerce shipments should have HS Tariff Codes applied. They help with faster processing of shipments, and more accurate calculation of taxes and duties payable in the destination country.
Many countries have made it compulsory to declare HS Tariff Codes, and will reject parcels if you fail to declare them.
HS Tariff Codes must be entered as numbers only, usually between 6 and 12 digits. Please do not enter any decimals, just leave those out and add the whole number.
An accurate Goods Description is also required, as this helps with the classification of items by carriers. Simply typing "Shoes" is not acceptable, you need to be more specific, eg. "Womens Running Shoes".
You must also declare the products "Country of Origin", which is the country your products were manufactured.
HS Tariff Codes for export from Australia
Australia uses an eight-digit code to classify goods for export. The first six digits align with the international HS classification, and the last two digits are specific to Australian exports. The classifications are subject to change, so you need to keep up-to-date.
The Australian Harmonized Export Commodity Classification (AHECC) is usually updated every January and July, and classifications can be found on the ABS Website.
Warning: Failure to properly classify your product could lead to incorrect taxation on your exports and the potential loss of the product.
Customs and Border Protection provides a formal AHECC Advisory Service. This service has been developed specifically for clients who require assistance with the classification of goods for export. For more information, go to AHECC Classification.
How to Find HS Tariff Codes for your products
Using the correct HS Tariff Code is crucial. Codes are subject to change, so it is important to keep updated on your products current codes.
Help is available on Australian Government websites, and many businesses get professional help.
Not sure what codes to use? Visit the business.gov.au dedicated page for more information and links on where to find help
You can also find more information on the Australian Border Force (ABF) website or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) FTA Portal.
How to add HS Tariff Codes via your store platform
Click on your store platform below for information on how to add customs information to your products directly in your store:
Shopify
If your store platform isn't listed above, we cannot import your HS Tariff Codes for your products when an order is placed. You will therefore need to add HS Tariff Codes to products in ReadyToShip. Click here for our help article.