HS code: what is it and how do you find the right one?

What is an HS code?

An HS code, also called a commodity code (in Dutch: goederencode or GS-code), is a numeric code that customs authorities worldwide use to classify products. Every product, from a leather shoe to a computer chip, has its own specific code. The code tells customs exactly what's in your parcel without them having to open the box.

The system is managed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and is used in more than 200 countries. The first 6 digits are the same worldwide. In the Netherlands and the rest of the EU, extra digits are added for export or import.

The difference between an HS code, CN code and TARIC code

You'll come across different terms when you ship internationally. This is how they differ:

The HS code has 6 digits and is the worldwide standard. HS stands for Harmonized System; in Dutch it's also called the GS-code (Geharmoniseerd Systeem).

The CN code has 8 digits and is used for exports from the EU. It's the 6 digits of the HS code plus 2 extra digits for EU statistics. CN stands for Combined Nomenclature; in Dutch it's called the GN-code.

The TARIC code has 10 digits and is needed for imports into the EU. It's the 8 digits of the CN code plus 2 digits that set specific EU measures, such as anti-dumping duties.

For most international shipments from the Netherlands you need the 8-digit CN code. For imports from countries outside the EU, such as the US or China, you need the 10-digit TARIC code.

Want to look up the right code straight away? Use our free HS code search tool.

Why is the HS code so important?

The HS code directly affects the cost and speed of your shipment. Customs uses the code for three main purposes.

First, to calculate import duties. The code sets the percentage you pay. So a wrong code can cost you money for nothing, or lead to an extra bill afterwards.

Second, for trade measures. Some goods have restrictions, such as import quotas or required health certificates. The HS code shows straight away whether extra requirements apply to your product.

Third, for risk analysis. Customs scans codes to check that shipments match the information given. A mismatch between the code and the description on the invoice almost always leads to a physical inspection and delay.

Please note: shipping to the United States?

Recent US tariff changes have sharply raised import duties for many product categories. That makes the right HS code more important than ever. A small mistake or a code that's too general can mean you pay far too much, or that your shipment is held at the border.

Not sure which import duties apply to your product in the US? Use our import duties calculator and get an estimate within seconds, based on your specific HS code and destination.

How is an HS code built up?

Take a men's cotton T-shirt as an example. Its code is 6109 10 00.

The first two digits (61) are the chapter: articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted. The next digits (09) specify the type of product: T-shirts and vests. The digits after that (10) give the material: of cotton. The last digits (00) contain further details where they apply.

How do you find the right HS code?

There are three ways to find the right code.

The first and easiest is our own search tool. Use the free ParcelParcel HS code search tool to find the right code within seconds from a product description. The tool is free to use, even without an account.

The second is the official Dutch Customs tariff (Gebruikstarief). This is the most accurate source, but many people find it hard to navigate. Go to the TARIC database, click Nomenclature and search by keyword or through the folder structure.

The third is to ask your supplier. Importing goods? Your supplier probably exports these products more often and knows the code, which is often listed as "Customs Code" on the pro forma invoice. Please note: always check the code yourself, because you as the shipper remain responsible.

To look up the HS code, enter a description of the item you're sending:

Already have the HS code but want to find the matching description? Type the HS code in the search field:

Prefer to navigate through the chapters yourself? You can do that too. It's also a good idea to browse the chapters if your search gives no results: 

You can also choose whether to search in Dutch or English:

Add the HS code and description

Click the blue button with the code you want to add the HS code and its description.

Common HS code mistakes

Being too general. A term like "electronics" is not a valid HS code. You need to be specific: is it a laptop, a charger or a speaker? Every product has its own code.

Using an outdated code. HS codes are revised every five years. A code that was right last year may have changed now. Check your codes regularly, especially if you ship the same range of products.

Leaving the code out because you don't know it. This almost always leads to delays at customs. Use our tool if you're unsure.

Using a wrong code to pay less import duty. This is called misclassification, and customs actively checks for it. The financial and legal consequences can be serious.

Use your HS code without mistakes in 5 steps

Step 1: Describe your product well. Think about material, function, composition and use. The more specific, the better.

Step 2: Look up the code with our free HS code search tool or the official Dutch Customs tariff.

Step 3: Check for changes. HS codes are revised from time to time. Check your main codes every year, especially if you ship the same range of products.

Step 4: Save the code in ParcelParcel. Link your regular products to their HS code in your account, so you don't have to look them up every time.

Step 5: Still unsure? Contact our support team or ask a customs adviser about complex products.

Want more certainty about your HS code? Apply for a Binding Tariff Information decision

If you regularly ship the same product internationally, Binding Tariff Information (BTI) is worth considering. A BTI is an official, written decision by Dutch Customs on the right HS code for your specific product. From the day it's issued, it is in principle valid for three years throughout the EU.

Good to know: customs decides the final code itself, and it may differ from the code you applied for. If you disagree, you can object, but you must use the assigned code straight away. So a BTI gives you more certainty, but it isn't risk-free. Preparing your application well is essential.

You apply for a BTI online through the EU Customs Trader Portal. Not sure about the right code for your product? Use our free HS code search tool as a first step, or ask a customs adviser in complex situations.