What is an HS code and why do you need one?
Find out what an HS code is, why it’s important to your delivery and how to get one. We break it down into simple terms.
What is an HS code and why do you need one?
If you’re new to shipping to the EU, or you’ve recently started to again, you’ll notice that you now need to consign an HS code as part of your customs declaration.
As of January 2021, customs declarations became mandatory under the new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as part of the UK Brexit deal. But, before we lose you to the thought of yet more post-Brexit admin, there’s some good news… HS codes are reasonably straightforward when you know how they work. What’s more, they’re easier to obtain than you might think.
At SAMOS we deal with HS codes regularly, so we’ll help you cut through the detail with our simplified version.
First off, what exactly is an HS code?
An HS code (otherwise known as a Harmonised System) is a sequence of numbers used to classify a product. Put simply, it lets customs know what’s in your package.
With HS codes, customs officials anywhere in the world can tell what you’re sending. This can then be used to calculate taxes and duties accordingly.
What you need to know about HS codes.
- Your HS code is a series of numbers that describe your product.
- The codes are internationally standardised – so every country is on the same page.
- You’ll need 8 digits for an EU export (10 digits for a UK or U.S. import).
- The code is used (along with the value of goods) to define duty and tax rates.
So how do I get an HS code?
You can find your product HS code by clicking on the government website page: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff. On this page, you’ll find a search tool enabling you to type in the details of your goods, and this will often generate a HS code for you.
HS codes always start with a chapter that describes the commodity. The remaining numbers in the sequence drill down to the specifics.
For example, say you are planning to send a smartphone. The HS code would be broken down as follows:
Chapter: Electrical machinery and equipment (85)
Category: Electrical transformers, static converters and inductors (04)
Subcategory: Static converters (40)
Item: Accumulator chargers (60)
The HS code is the combination of all these codes, so in this case it is: 85044060.
Sounds straightforward, but what if I make a mistake?
Having an HS code will help to speed up the whole delivery process. However, it is important to get the code right if you want to prevent delays at customs. There’s nothing more annoying for a consumer than having a parcel delayed due to an oversight made at your end. It might make them think twice about ordering from your business again.
Some people are tempted to google the HS code. That sometimes works and you can often get lucky if a similar business has shared the code online. However, if the code is wrong or incomplete, then that may cause some frustrating delays in customs – far more than the time it takes you to look up the correct code.
It’s good to remember that the last digits of the HS code are country-specific and define tax or preferential rates, so it’s crucial that you get the full code down.
What if I still can’t find my code?
The UK government has also put together a helpful page on some of the goods that are harder to classify than others: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/finding-commodity-codes-for-imports-or-exports. This may help you to find a niche product or cross reference your code.
Finding an HS code may feel overwhelming to begin with, but once you’ve got it… well, you’ve got it. If you’re delivering the same product, you’ll be able to reuse the code, or you can look up a new code and it’ll be far easier next time.
Make your shipping easier with SAMOS
Shipping to the EU shouldn’t (and doesn’t) have to cause headaches. At SAMOS we’ve simplified the process, so you can avoid the confusion and make an impact with your customers, first time, and every time.
