Customer Help Centre

Commodity / Tariff Code

A tariff code is a product-specific code as documented in the Harmonised System (HS) maintained by the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

Tariff codes exist for almost every product involved in global commerce.

They are required on official shipping documents for tax assessment purposes, a tariff code ensures uniformity of product classification worldwide.

A complete tariff code is no less than six digits and can be up to ten.

The more digits in a tariff code string, the more specific the product it identifies.

A string of less than six digits is considered a partial tariff code and represents a broad product category or chapter of products in the HS System.

To find a tariff code specific to the goods you are sending, please visit the UK government website - https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff

If you don’t include the HS code on the commercial invoice and other shipping documents, it will most likely delay the shipment and lead to the receiver paying the wrong Duties and VAT.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are using the correct tariff codes against your goods. Providing the incorrect tariff codes will most likely delay the shipment and cause additional surcharges set by the country’s customs.

We cannot verify if you are using the right commodity codes or necessary licenses.

Description of the goods

There should always be a clear and concise description of the goods being shipped.

It should not be generic.

For example, instead of describing it as a pallet of wine describe it as red wine including the brand name. You should also include the batch number.

Origin of goods

You will have to confirm the origin of goods, including all components/ingredients that makeup products in your consignment that are being shipped.

Where your products were originally manufactured may be different from the country the shipment is being sent from.

You should be aware that some goods may originate from countries subject to special safeguards or anti-dumping Duties.

Value of goods

Value of the goods

The true value of the goods should be stated which consists of the market price of the goods and the currency.

Evidence may be asked by Customs if the value declared on your invoice does not seem reasonable.

All goods should have the correct description, value and classification for shipping.

More information on UK classification codes can be found - https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff