HS Tariff Codes (or HS Codes) are numbers used to classify products for international shipping.
They are part of the Harmonised System (HS), a global standard used by 200+ countries to:
Calculate duties and taxes
Process shipments through customs
Track international trade
Each product is assigned a code, usually starting with a 6-digit global standard.
Are HS Tariff Codes required?
Yes — in most cases, HS codes are required for international shipments.
You should include an HS code for every item in your shipment. This helps:
Avoid customs delays
Ensure correct duties and taxes
Prevent shipments from being rejected
Most countries will reject parcels without HS codes.
How do I enter HS Tariff Codes?
Enter numbers only
Use 6–12 digits (depending on destination country)
Do not include decimals or symbols
What else do I need to provide?
1. Accurate product description
Be specific — generic descriptions may cause delays.
❌ Shoes
✅ Women’s running shoes
2. Country of origin
This is where the product was manufactured, not shipped from.
What happens if I use the wrong code?
Incorrect HS codes can lead to:
Wrong duties or taxes
Shipment delays or rejection
Possible loss of goods
How do I find the correct HS Code?
We can't advise on what is the correct HS Tariff Code.
There are many places to search, these are just a few:
If unsure, many businesses use classification services for accuracy.
Adding HS Codes to your store
You can add HS codes directly in your store platform:
If your platform isn’t listed, HS codes won’t be imported automatically.
You’ll need to add them manually in ReadyToShip. Click here for our help article.
Global HS Codes are reviewed approximately every 5 years.
Individual countries may review them as often as twice a year.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are using the most up to date code available for your product.