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An HS code is the 6-digit number that tells customs exactly what you are shipping. In the UK, HMRC extends it into an 8-digit commodity code for exports and a 10-digit code for imports, and that number decides your duty rate, your VAT and how quickly your parcel clears the border. Get one digit wrong and you can overpay duty, trigger a manual inspection or receive a back-dated demand from HMRC.
This guide covers how HS codes and UK commodity codes fit together, how to use the official commodity code checker, and what changes with HS 2028. It also shows how to save codes once per product in your shipping platform, and let shipping automation handle repetitive customs choices.
Key Takeaways
- An HS code is a 6-digit product classification shared by more than 200 countries.
- HMRC commodity codes add UK digits: 8 for exports, 10 for imports.
- Find UK commodity codes in the UK Trade Tariff on GOV.UK, not a generic search engine.
- HS 2028 takes effect on 1 January 2028, so some product codes will change.
- A wrong code means overpaid duty, delays or an HMRC demand, so store verified codes per SKU.
What is an HS code?
The HS code (short for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System) is a standard numerical way of classifying traded goods. It is managed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), and according to the US International Trade Administration, countries use it to identify products in the same way for assessing duties and gathering trade statistics.
The first six digits are the same everywhere. Two digits give the chapter (for example 61 for knitted clothing), two more give the heading, and the last two give the subheading. After that, each country is free to add its own digits, which is where UK commodity codes, EU CN codes and US HTS codes start to differ.
Think of it this way: your EORI number says who is moving the goods, and the HS code says what the goods are. You will not clear a commercial shipment at Dover or Felixstowe without both.
HS 2028: the next update is already published
The WCO reviews the system roughly every five years. The current edition is HS 2022, and the WCO has confirmed that HS 2028 starts on 1 January 2028, with 299 sets of amendments and 428 new subheadings. Health-emergency goods and environmental products are the main focus, so sellers of medical supplies, protective equipment or some plastic items should plan a code review in 2027.
A supplier in China or the US may give you a code that is correct in their country but wrong in the UK. Only the first six digits are shared worldwide. Always check digits 7 to 10 against the UK Trade Tariff before you declare anything to HMRC.
HS code vs commodity code: how UK codes are built
Most of the world says "HS codes", HMRC says "commodity codes" (you will also see "tariff codes"). The commodity code adds UK digits on top of the 6-digit HS code, and those extra digits carry the duty rate, VAT and trade measures. If your codes already live in Shopify, a store integration can bring them into each order.
| Digits | Meaning | Example (ski boots) | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Chapter | 64 (footwear) | Worldwide |
| 3 to 4 | Heading | 6402 | Worldwide |
| 5 to 6 | Subheading (the HS code) | 6402 12 | Worldwide |
| 7 to 8 | UK tariff subdivision | 6402 12 10 | UK export declarations |
| 9 to 10 | UK import measures | 6402 12 10 00 | UK import declarations |
HMRC's CDS tariff guidance confirms that the 9th and 10th digits can change the duty rate on an import.
When do you need an HS code?
Any goods with commercial value that cross a customs border need a code. Here is where it shows up.
| Document or situation | Code needed | Who usually fills it in |
|---|---|---|
| UK import declaration (CDS) | Full 10-digit commodity code | Importer or customs broker |
| UK export declaration (CDS) | 8-digit commodity code | Exporter or carrier |
| Commercial invoice for courier shipments | At least the 6-digit HS code per line | Seller |
| CN22 or CN23 postal declaration | At least the 6-digit HS code per item | Seller |
| Documents and letters only | Usually none | Not applicable |
How to find the right HS code with the UK commodity code checker
The official commodity code checker for UK businesses is the UK Trade Tariff on GOV.UK. Avoid generic searches or HS code lookup sites built for other countries: US and EU codes often differ from UK codes after the sixth digit.
Go to gov.uk/trade-tariff and choose import or export.
Type what it is and what it is made of, such as "cotton t-shirt".
Pick the chapter (61, knitted apparel), then the heading (6109, t-shirts), then refine by material.
Open the import tab to see the duty rate, VAT and any controls.
Record the code and country of origin per product so every shipment reuses it.
For products that are hard to classify (multi-function gadgets, gift sets, kits), you can ask HMRC for a legally binding Advance Tariff Ruling through GOV.UK.
Product & Resources
Shipping Platform
Create international labels and customs documents in one place, with item details filled in from your sales channel.
Explore the platform →Shipping Automation
Set rules that apply the right shipping settings, such as the Incoterm, based on destination or order value.
See automation →Carrier & Integration Library
Connect your store and carriers so product data, including HS codes, flows into each shipment.
Browse integrations →API Documentation
Pass HS codes, origin and item values directly in your shipment requests.
Read the docs →Stop typing HS codes by hand
Save each code once per product and let ShippyPro add it to every international shipment. Try it free for 14 days.
HS codes in the UK, EU and US compared
Sell into several markets and you will meet several versions of the same HS code. Only the first six digits match.
| Criteria | HS code (global) | UK commodity code | EU CN / TARIC code | US HTS code / Schedule B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 6 digits | 8 (export) / 10 (import) | 8 (CN) / 10 (TARIC) | 10 digits |
| Managed by | World Customs Organization | HMRC | European Commission | USITC (imports), Census Bureau (exports) |
| Where to look it up | WCO publications | UK Trade Tariff | EU TARIC database | HTS search, Schedule B search |
| Same as other markets? | Yes | First 6 digits only | First 6 digits only | First 6 digits only |
In the US, the HTS code (imports) and Schedule B number (exports) can differ after the sixth digit. The rule is the same everywhere: classify once at 6 digits, then confirm the local extension for each destination.
In ShippyPro you can assign an HS code, origin and weight to each SKU with an Excel import under Customs info, and the code is added to matching shipments automatically. You can also add it while shipping, send it via API, or import it from Shopify. Instructions are in the Help Center.
Common HS code mistakes and what they cost
HMRC treats a wrong commodity code as an incorrect declaration, deliberate or not.
| Mistake | What happens | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing a higher-duty heading | You overpay import duty, and refunds are slow to claim | Compare similar headings in the UK Trade Tariff before you decide |
| Choosing a lower-duty heading | HMRC can issue a post-clearance demand for unpaid duty plus interest, up to 3 years later | Keep notes on why you chose each code and ask for a ruling if unsure |
| Vague descriptions such as "clothes" or "parts" | Manual inspection, turning a 2-day delivery into a 2-week delay | Describe material and use, for example "men's cotton t-shirt" |
| Never reviewing codes | Codes expire or move after a tariff update | Check your catalogue each January and before HS 2028 goes live |
If your customer pays duty on delivery, a surprise bill from a wrong code can mean a refused parcel, one reason to compare DDP and DAP. Multi-carrier tracking helps you spot parcels held at customs early.
HS Code FAQ: common questions answered
What is the difference between an HS code and a commodity code?
They belong to the same system. The HS code is the first 6 digits, shared by 200+ countries; the commodity code is the longer UK or EU version (8 or 10 digits) used to apply local duty and VAT.
Can I use the same code for importing and exporting?
Not always. UK export declarations normally use 8 digits and import declarations the full 10 digits, so check the right section of the UK Trade Tariff.
What happens if I use the wrong HS code?
It counts as an incorrect declaration. If it lowered your duty, HMRC can demand the difference plus interest for up to 3 years; if it raised it, you overpay tax that is slow to reclaim.
Do HS codes change?
Yes. The WCO updates the system roughly every five years. HS 2028 replaces HS 2022 on 1 January 2028, so review your codes during 2027 and at the start of each year.
My supplier gave me an HS code. Can I just use that?
Only as a starting point. Suppliers abroad use their own national digits after the sixth, so confirm the rest in the UK Trade Tariff before declaring to HMRC.
Do I need an HS code for documents?
Usually not. Letters and contracts with no commercial value travel as documents, not goods, so no HS code is needed. Printed items you sell, such as books, are goods and do need one.
Related Articles
What is an EORI Number?
How to get a GB, XI or EU EORI and why customs blocks shipments without one.
Read more →CN22 vs CN23: What's the Difference?
Which postal customs form you need, and how to fill in the HS code field correctly.
Read more →DDP vs DAP: Who Pays Customs Duties?
How your Incoterm choice affects duty, delivery speed and refused parcels.
Read more →How to add HS codes to your shipments
Help Center guide to adding HS codes by Excel import, in the shipping flow or via API.
Open the guide →Ship internationally without customs guesswork
Store HS codes per product, generate customs documents automatically and manage every carrier from one dashboard. Start your free 14-day trial.
As the Growth Manager at ShippyPro, I help online retailers transform their shipping operations from a bottleneck into a growth engine. My expertise lies in ecommerce logistics and automation, specifically helping brands save time and scale efficiently. I write about the tools, strategies, and technologies that are defining the future of fulfillment.