HS Code Lookup: Simple Steps to Check Your Shipment’s Classification

Your international shipment has arrived at the border, but it’s not moving. The reason? An incorrect or missing commodity code. This single number is the key to unlocking your cargo’s journey, and getting it wrong is one of the most common and costly mistakes in global trade. 

Performing an accurate HS code lookup is a non-negotiable step for any business that imports or exports goods. This code dictates duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements, making it the foundation of a smooth customs clearance process. 

This guide will provide you with a straightforward, practical toolkit for classifying your products correctly. We will walk you through the best official government databases and explain how to use them to find the right code, every time. 

 

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Commodity Code Lookup: Your Toolkit for Accuracy 

A commodity code lookup is the process of identifying the correct Harmonized System (HS) code for your product. This code is a global standard that tells customs authorities exactly what you are shipping. An accurate HS tariff code is essential for determining the correct import duties. 

It’s important to distinguish between two types of tools: 

• HS Code Lookup Sites: Databases that help you find the classification code itself. 

• Customs Duty Calculators: Tools that use the HS code you provide to estimate the taxes owed. 

For a successful HS code lookup, you should rely on official, government-run sources. These are the databases used by customs authorities themselves. 

Here is Mydello’s essential toolkit of official lookup portals: 

• World Customs Organisation (WCO) Lookup

   

  • Link: https://www.wcotradetools.org/en/harmonized-system 
  • Use Case: The definitive source for the international 6-digit HS code. This is your starting point to find the universal code that forms the foundation for all country-specific variations. 

• United States HTS Search

   

  • Link: https://hts.usitc.gov/ 
  • Use Case: The official Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States. This is the database for the 10-digit codes required for all imports into the USA. 

• EU TARIC Consultation Site

   

  • Link: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp 
  • Use Case: The official database for the 10-digit TARIC codes used for imports into the European Union. It details all tariffs, anti-dumping duties, and trade measures for the EU. 

• UK Global Tariff A-Z Index

   

  • Link: https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/a-z-index/a 
  • Use Case: The UK’s official post-Brexit tariff tool. It provides an alphabetical index to help you find the correct commodity code for goods imported into the United Kingdom. 

• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Customs Tariff

   

  • Link: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/ 
  • Use Case: The official source for the tariff classification numbers required for all goods imported into Canada. 

• Germany (Zoll) Customs Portal

   

  • Link: https://www.zoll.de/EN/Businesses/Movement-of-goods/Import/Duties-and-taxes/Normal-customs-clearance/Customs-Tariff/customs-tariff_node.html 
  • Use Case: Germany’s official portal, providing access to and explanations for the EU’s TARIC system for imports into Germany. 

• Estonian Tax and Customs Calculator 

  • Link: https://avalik.emta.ee/tollimaksukalkulaator/ 
  • Use Case: While primarily a customs duty calculator, this official Estonian tool is excellent for verifying the duty and VAT rates associated with a specific HS code for imports into the EU via Estonia. 

HS Code List: Official Country Schedules 

Some countries publish their entire tariff schedule as a single, comprehensive HS code list. These master documents, typically in PDF format, contain every commodity code and its corresponding duty rate. While incredibly detailed, they can be challenging for beginners to navigate. 

Here are a few example links to the official lists for several major trading nations: 

• USA:

  Final Copy of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule 

• Australia:

  Australia-AANZFTA HS 2012 Tariff Schedule 

• Japan:

  Japan Tariff Schedule 

• UAE (Sharjah):

  Sharjah Customs HS Code List 

A Note on Third-Party HS Code Search Tools 

A quick search online will reveal numerous third-party websites and services offering HS code lookups and customs calculations. While some may appear user-friendly, we at Mydello advise caution and the use of official government resources where possible. 

These commercial tools are not the official, governmental source. Their data could be outdated or inaccurate, and using a code from one of these sites could still result in fines if it is incorrect. Additionally, many operate on a “freemium” model, providing limited information to upsell you to a paid subscription. 

Our official recommendation: Use third-party tools for preliminary research only. Always verify your final commodity code using the official government database of the importing country. 

 

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Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Accurate Classification 

An accurate HS code lookup is not just an administrative task; it’s a critical component of your company’s risk management and financial planning. Getting it right ensures your supply chain remains efficient and predictable. 

Your key takeaways are: 

• Always Use Official Sources: The only legally binding commodity codes are found on the official customs websites of the importing country. 

• Start with the 6-Digit Code: Begin by identifying the universal 6-digit HS code for your product before finding the full 8- or 10-digit code for your destination. 

• Beware of Third-Party Tools: Use commercial lookup sites for initial research only. Do not rely on them for your final customs declaration. 

• Expertise is Your Best Insurance: The safest and most efficient way to ensure compliance is to partner with a logistics expert who takes on the responsibility of correct classification for you. 

The information contained in this blog article is accurate as of the publishing date and is liable to change. Contact MyDello’s expert team to get the most up to date information about customs duties.