Harmonized Codes are internationally recognized codes to classify an item for tax purposes. Harmonized Codes (also referred to as Tariff Codes, TARIC, Customs Tariffs, Harmonized Tariff Codes, and Harmonized System Codes) expedite the shipping process for international orders. Once an order reaches an international border, a country's customs office uses these codes to identify the goods and then assess taxes, duties, and fees for what you are shipping.
Most destination countries use the Harmonized Code system, while a few countries require the description instead. It is best practice to include both the Harmonized Code and a detailed description when shipping internationally. While it is not always required, using Harmonized Codes for your international shipments will:
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Help your packages move through customs more quickly
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Help to ensure correct taxation on your exported products
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Help to minimize the chances of loss of your products
Harmonized Code Requirement for Shipping to the EU
All shipments from non-EU countries destined for and passing through most countries in the EU require HS (Harmonized System) codes included on customs forms along with a more detailed description of the package contents.
This means that descriptions such as "Clothes" will not be accepted. Instead, a more detailed description such as "Men's Cotton Shirt" or "Women's Leather Shoes" will be required.
Learn more about HS code requirements from the following resources:
Look up HS codes for your products using the following resources:
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GlobalPost HS Classification Tool (may limit the number of codes you can look up in a 24-hour period)
For a full list of Harmonization codes:
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🇺🇸 Go to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule page from the U.S. International Trade Commission.
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🇨🇦 Go to the Customs Tariff page from the Canada Border Services Agency.
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🇬🇧 Go to the Trade Tariff Service page from Gov.UK.
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🇦🇺 Go to the Current Tariff Classification page from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Australia uses an eight-digit code to classify goods for export. The first six digits align with the international classification and the last two digits are specific to Australian exports. The classifications are subject to change so you need to keep up-to-date. The Australian Harmonized Export Commodity Classification (AHECC) is usually updated every January and July. Classifications can be found on the ABS Website.
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🇳🇿 Go to the Customs Tariffs page from the New Zealand Customs Service.
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🇫🇷 🇩🇪 Go to the TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Union) page from the European Commission Taxation and Customs Union.