HS codes: why they are destination-specific and how to classify
In short
The first 6 digits of an HS code are global; digits 7–10 are set by each destination (US HTS, EU CN/TARIC, GB). Give every product a code for each market you sell to. If a destination code is missing, Shopify guesses one at checkout and that guess reaches us at label purchase — wrong duties, or a restriction block.
How to classify
- Teleship app → Products → Classify. AI suggestions per destination from title, description and images. Review them: the AI is good at "cotton t-shirt", weaker at "gift box containing three different items" — classify by the essential character, or split into separate line items.
- Bulk: Shopify → Settings → Taxes and duties → Products → Export CSV → fill HS codes/origins → import.
- Codes are placed on the commercial invoice and transmitted electronically; you never type them again.
Rules of thumb
- Sets: classify by the item that gives the set its essential character; if unclear, list items separately (this also affects the EU €3-per-line duty — The EU €3 flat duty since 1 July 2026).
- Variants share a code unless material differs (cotton vs synthetic can be different lines).
- Region matters: a code valid in the UK tariff may not exist in the US HTS — hence "HTS10 error".
- Don't change a code to lower duty or unblock a restriction; customs audits compare code, description and goods.
Still stuck? Contact our support team.