If you sell internationally, your customs data has never mattered more.
Two small pieces of information sit behind every international shipment: your HS code and your customs description. Get them right and your parcels are far more likely to move smoothly through customs. Get them wrong or leave them too vague and you increase the risk of delays, additional charges or even parcels being returned.
Over the past few months, we've been seeing more brands relying on very generic customs descriptions such as "trousers", "top" or "cream". While these describe the product, they often don't provide customs authorities with enough information to classify the goods correctly.
We're also seeing brands using only the standard 6-digit HS code when many destination countries require a more detailed product classification. As customs requirements become stricter, providing the most specific HS code available is becoming increasingly important.
With customs authorities becoming increasingly data-driven, particularly across Europe, these small details are becoming much more important.
Here's what you need to know.
What is an HS code?
An HS (Harmonised System) code is an internationally recognised product classification system used by customs authorities around the world.
Almost every product that crosses an international border has an HS code assigned to it. Customs authorities use it to identify what is being imported and determine things such as:
Duty payable
VAT and import taxes
Import restrictions
If the wrong code is used, customs may calculate the wrong duty, apply the wrong taxes or stop the shipment while they investigate.
Why six digits often aren't enough
The first six digits of an HS code identify the general category of a product and are recognised internationally.
However, many countries require a longer code to provide more detail about exactly what the product is. These additional digits help customs distinguish between products that may look similar but are made from different materials, have different uses or attract different duty rates.
For example, while two products may share the same first six digits, the longer code can identify whether an item is made from cotton or polyester, leather or synthetic materials or whether it's intended for a particular use.
Where a destination country requires this additional level of detail, providing only the first six digits may result in customs requesting further information or delaying the shipment while the product is classified correctly.
As a best practice, we recommend reviewing your product classifications to ensure you're using the most detailed HS code available for the countries you ship to.
Why customs descriptions matter just as much
Your customs description works alongside your HS code.
Think of the HS code as telling customs how the product is classified, while the customs description tells them what the product actually is.
Descriptions such as:
Trousers
Shoes
Top
Cream
are simply too broad.
A much better description would be:
Men's 100% cotton trousers
Women's leather ankle boots
Moisturising face cream, 50ml, non-medicated
The more accurately you describe your product, the easier it is for customs to verify that it matches the HS code you've supplied.
Materials matter more than you might think
Many products that look almost identical can have different HS codes depending on what they're made from.
For example:
A cotton T-shirt and a polyester T-shirt can have different classifications.
Leather shoes and synthetic shoes use different codes.
Jewellery made from sterling silver is classified differently from costume jewellery.
Small differences in materials can affect both the HS code used and the amount of duty payable.
Every product should be classified individually
Another common mistake is using one generic description for an entire parcel.
If an order contains:
a cotton T-shirt
a leather belt
a moisturiser
Each product should have its own customs description and its own HS code.
Customs authorities assess each product individually, so accurate product-level data is becoming increasingly important.
What happens if your customs data isn't accurate?
Incorrect or incomplete customs information can result in:
Customs delays
Requests for additional information
Parcels being held for inspection
Incorrect duty and tax calculations
Additional charges
Parcels being returned to sender
As customs authorities continue to tighten their requirements, these issues are becoming much more common.
Why this matters even more now
Recent changes across the EU have significantly increased the importance of accurate customs data.
With the removal of the €150 customs duty exemption, many more low-value shipments are now entering formal customs processes.
Looking ahead, the EU plans to introduce even more detailed customs reporting, with duties increasingly being based on the classification of each individual product.
The direction of travel is clear. Customs authorities want better quality product data and are placing much greater scrutiny on customs declarations.
It's not just Europe either. Many countries are tightening their import requirements, making accurate customs information increasingly important wherever you ship.
Changes we're making in the Hutch dashboard
We've always tried to make customs information as straightforward as possible.
Historically, the Hutch dashboard included a list of suggested customs descriptions to help brands complete their product information.
However, we've found that these generic suggestions can encourage descriptions that no longer provide enough detail for modern customs requirements.
To help reduce the risk of delays, customs queries and returned shipments, we'll be removing these suggested descriptions.
Instead, you'll enter a specific customs description for every SKU and review the HS code used for each product.
You'll find these fields within each product under the Customs Information section, as shown below.
Review and update your Customs Description, HS Code, Manufacturer Country and Product Composition for every SKU before shipping internationally.
We also recommend taking this opportunity to review your HS codes and ensure you're using the most detailed and accurate code available for the countries you're shipping to.
Best practice for every SKU
To keep your international shipments moving smoothly:
Use a specific customs description for every product.
Include what the product is, who it's for and the main material where relevant.
Review your HS codes to ensure they're accurate.
Use the most detailed HS code available for the countries you're shipping to, rather than relying solely on the first six digits.
Review new products before you begin shipping them internationally.
Periodically audit your existing catalogue as customs requirements continue to evolve.
Keep your product information consistent across every sales channel.
Good vs poor customs descriptions
Too generic | Customs-ready |
Trousers | Men's 100% cotton trousers |
Top | Women's knitted cotton long-sleeve top |
Shoes | Women's leather ankle boots |
Cream | Moisturising face cream, 50ml, non-medicated |
Jewellery | Sterling silver pendant necklace |
Bag | Women's leather shoulder handbag |
Useful resources
If you're unsure which HS code applies to your products, the UK Government's Trade Tariff tool is a great place to start.
It allows you to search for products, browse classifications and identify the most appropriate HS code for your goods.
Find an HS code:
https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/find_commodity
If you're unsure whether you've selected the correct classification, we'd always recommend seeking advice from a customs specialist, as it's ultimately the exporter's responsibility to ensure the correct HS code is used.
Need a hand?
Now is a great opportunity to review your international product data before customs requirements become even stricter.
If you're shipping with Hutch, log into your dashboard and review the Customs Information section for each of your products. This is where you can update your customs descriptions, HS codes, country of manufacture and product composition before your next international shipment.
If you'd like any guidance on the information required for international shipping, or have questions about preparing your products for export, your Account Manager will be happy to help.
Published by Hutch Logistics
Helping growing Ecommerce brands deliver world-class fulfilment experiences.
