Is Your Product "Lost in Translation" at the Border? In the world of international logistics, every product needs a passport. That passport is the HS Code. Whether you are shipping T-shirts to France or machinery to the USA, a simple string of numbers determines if your goods sail through customs or get held for inspection. In 2026, with global trade rules tighter than ever, classifying your goods correctly is no longer just "admin work"—it is a critical financial strategy.

A wrong digit doesn't just mean a delay; it means overpaying thousands in import duties or facing retrospective fines from HMRC. This guide strips away the complexity of the UK Trade Tariff, explaining the difference between 6-digit HS codes and 10-digit Commodity codes, so you can ship with certainty and protect your bottom line.

What is an HS Code?

The HS Code (Harmonized System) is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. It is developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and used by over 200 countries.

The UK Context: "Commodity Codes"

While the world speaks "HS Codes" (6 digits), HMRC speaks "Commodity Codes."

• HS Code (6 Digits): The global standard. Identifies the product category.
• Commodity Code (10 Digits): The UK specific code. It adds local tariff and VAT measures.

Think of it this way: The EORI Number is your ID, the HS Code is your product's ID. You cannot clear customs at Dover or Felixstowe without it.

The Anatomy of the Code

A Commodity Code is built like a tiered layer cake. It gets more specific as you add digits.

How to Find the Right Code

The official tool for UK businesses is the UK Trade Tariff service. Do not use generic Google searches, as you might find US or EU codes which differ at the 8th digit.

The Step-by-Step Search:

1. Go to the Source: Visit gov.uk/trade-tariff.
2. Keyword Search: Enter a description (e.g., "Cotton Shirt").
3. The Funnel Method:
   • Select the Chapter (e.g., Chapter 61 - Apparel).
   • Drill down to the Heading (e.g., 6109 - T-shirts).
   • Refine by Material (Cotton vs. Synthetic) until you reach the 10-digit code.
4. Check the "Measures": Click the "Import" tab to see the Third Country Duty rate (e.g., 12%) and VAT rate (20%).
   
   
   
   
   

Risks of Incorrect Classification

Getting the code wrong is considered a "False Declaration" by HMRC.

1. Overpayment: If you classify a "Tablet" (0% Duty) as a "Monitor" (14% Duty), you are burning cash.
2. Border Delays: Incorrect codes trigger manual inspections at the border. Your 2-day delivery becomes a 2-week delay.

Retrospective Demands: HMRC can audit you up to 3 years later and demand back-payment of unpaid duties + interest.

HS Code FAQ: Common Questions Answered

1. What is the difference between an HS Code and a Commodity Code? They are part of the same system. The HS Code is the first 6 digits, which are standard worldwide (used by 200+ countries). The Commodity Code is the longer version (8 or 10 digits) used specifically by the UK and EU to determine local import duties and VAT.

2. Can I use the same code for Importing and Exporting? Not always. In the UK, you typically use an 8-digit code for Export declarations, but you must use a full 10-digit code for Import declarations. Always check the UK Trade Tariff tool to be sure.

3. What happens if I use the wrong HS Code? Using an incorrect code is considered a "false declaration." If you accidentally lower the duty rate, HMRC can fine you and demand back-payments for up to 3 years. If you accidentally raise the rate, you will overpay taxes that are difficult to reclaim.

4. Do HS Codes change? Yes. The World Customs Organization updates the global system every 5 years (the last major update was 2022, with minor reviews annually). Always verify your product codes at the start of each year to ensure they haven't expired or shifted.

5. My supplier gave me an HS Code. Can I just use that? Be careful. Your supplier might be in China or the US, where they use different codes after the 6th digit. Always use the first 6 digits as a base, but verify the final 4 digits against the UK Trade Tariff to ensure compliance with HMRC.