HS Codes Guide
Find the correct Harmonized System tariff code for your international shipment — with EU, UK and USA import duty rates by product category.
What is an HS code?
An HS code (Harmonized System code) is a standardised international numerical code used to classify goods for customs and trade purposes. Every product you ship internationally must have an HS code on the commercial invoice — it tells customs what the goods are, determines the import duty rate, and triggers any special controls (food safety checks, dangerous goods rules, licensing requirements).
The 6-digit HS code is the same worldwide. Countries add additional digits: the EU uses 8 digits (TARIC code), the UK uses 8 digits (commodity code), the USA uses 10 digits (HTS code). Intra-EU shipments do not require HS codes — EU free movement of goods means no customs between member states.
HS Code Guides by Product Category
Select your product category for common HS codes and duty rates.
Clothing & Apparel
T-shirts, trousers, knitwear, dresses — HS Chapters 61–62. EU duty typically 12%.
Electronics & Technology
Smartphones, laptops, headphones — HS Chapters 84–85. Most devices 0% under WTO ITA.
Food & Beverages
Wine, olive oil, coffee, chocolate — HS Chapters 16–24. High complexity.
Cosmetics & Beauty
Perfumes, skincare, makeup, haircare — HS Chapter 33. EU duty 6.5%.
Furniture & Home Goods
Sofas, tables, lighting, ceramics — HS Chapter 94. EU duty 2.7–5.6%.
Machinery & Industrial Parts
Engines, auto parts, industrial equipment — HS Chapters 84–85, 87.
EU Import Duty Quick Reference
| Product category | HS Chapters | EU MFN duty range | Intra-EU | Special notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing & Apparel | 61–62 | 12–12.8% | 0% | High duty — check trade agreement |
| Electronics | 84–85 | 0–3.7% | 0% | Most devices 0% under ITA |
| Food & Beverages | 16–24 | 0–33% | 0% | CAP rates; health certs often needed |
| Cosmetics & Beauty | 33 | 6.5% | 0% | EU ingredient compliance required |
| Furniture & Home | 94 | 2.7–7.2% | 0% | Chinese furniture: check anti-dumping |
| Machinery & Parts | 84–85, 87 | 0–4.5% | 0% | Auto parts higher; CE marking needed |
| Books & Printed Matter | 49 | 0% | 0% | 0% duty on books worldwide |
| Jewellery & Watches | 71, 91 | 2.5–3.5% | 0% | High value — keep receipts/certificates |
| Pharmaceuticals | 30 | 0% | 0% | Import licences required; regulated |
| Toys & Games | 95 | 4.7% | 0% | EU Toy Safety Directive compliance |
EU MFN (Most Favoured Nation) rates. Trade agreement rates may be lower. Always verify on EU TARIC: ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric
How to find and use your HS code
- 1
Identify the product category
Use CargoSender's category guides above or the WCO HS nomenclature to find the right Chapter (2-digit) and Heading (4-digit) for your product.
- 2
Look up the full code
Use the official tariff database of the destination country: EU TARIC (8 digits), UK Trade Tariff (8 digits), US HTS (10 digits). The first 6 digits are always the same internationally.
- 3
Check the duty rate & trade agreement
The database shows the standard MFN duty rate AND any preferential rates under trade agreements. Your goods' country of origin determines which rate applies — not the country you're shipping from.
- 4
Add to your commercial invoice
Include the HS code on every line of your commercial invoice alongside: product description, country of origin, quantity, unit price, and total value. This is legally required for all international customs declarations.
- 5
Declare when booking
Enter the HS code when booking your shipment on CargoSender. For express services (DHL, UPS, FedEx), customs is handled electronically before arrival — the HS code must be correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an HS code?
An HS code (Harmonized System code) is an internationally standardised numerical code used to classify goods for customs and trade purposes. Maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the 6-digit code is the same in all 200+ participating countries. Countries then add additional digits for their own tariff (8 digits in the EU, 10 digits in the USA) to set precise duty rates.
Do I need an HS code for intra-EU shipments?
No — HS codes and customs documentation are not required for shipments between EU member states. The EU single market means goods can move freely between France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and all other EU members without customs. HS codes are only needed for shipments to or from non-EU countries.
Where can I look up an HS code?
Official sources: EU TARIC database (ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric) for EU 8-digit codes; UK Trade Tariff (trade.gov.uk/global-tariff) for UK 8-digit codes; US HTS (hts.usitc.gov) for USA 10-digit codes. WCO HS database at wcoomd.org. For complex products, a customs broker can provide binding tariff information.
What happens if I use the wrong HS code?
Incorrect HS codes cause customs delays, underpayment or overpayment of import duties, potential fines, and seizure of goods in serious cases. Most customs authorities will correct minor errors and charge the correct duty. Deliberate misclassification to reduce duty payments is customs fraud. When in doubt, request a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the customs authority — it's legally binding and protects you.
What is the difference between an HS code and a commodity code?
They are the same thing with different names. 'HS code' refers to the 6-digit internationally harmonised number. 'Commodity code' is what the UK calls its full 8-digit or 10-digit national tariff code. 'HTS code' is the US term for the 10-digit tariff schedule number. 'Tariff code' is a generic term. All are based on the same WCO Harmonized System.
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