An HS code is a six-digit category customs uses to identify goods. Find possible matches, understand what they mean, and know what to check next.
Loading the HS catalogue…
Search suggests categories, not a confirmed classification. Check the full description, relevant tariff notes and destination requirements. A matching code does not confirm that a carrier accepts the goods.
HS means Harmonized System. Its six-digit product categories are used internationally. Countries add their own detail for declarations, duties and other measures.
Six digits identify the international category.
The destination decides the additional detail.
“Electronics” leaves a lot unanswered. A laptop's type, weight and components help identify the relevant category.
HS 847130 covers portable automatic data-processing machines weighing no more than 10 kg, with at least a processor, keyboard and display. Check that your product fits.
The six-digit HS category structure is shared internationally. It is not a UK-only system.
The correct classification depends on the goods, applicable tariff notes and edition. National customs authorities may reach different classification decisions for a product, so check the destination requirements.
The person preparing the destination's import declaration checks the full local code and applicable measures. Six digits may help them start; they may not be enough to finish that declaration.
Do not guess the extra digits or assume another country's extension applies. Check them in the destination's tariff.
Laptop example for explanation only. ArrowPath's current mainland-China service excludes batteries and equipment containing batteries. Check shipment eligibility.
Imagine a China → UK shipment handled by a carrier that accepts the laptop. Choose what the sender provides to see what still needs to happen.
Where the service allows it, the carrier or customs broker may determine the code from the goods description and shipment information. They may request more product details before completing the customs declaration.
Leaving the code blank on a commercial invoice does not remove the need to classify the goods for customs. Some carriers or booking systems require a code before accepting the shipment.
Your next step: Check whether the carrier requires a code when booking. Provide a precise goods description and confirm who will handle classification.
These are differences in information supplied, not three clearance guarantees. Customs may check or question any of them.
A well-matched code supports your written description. It can help avoid ambiguity and follow-up questions about what you're sending.
The full destination classification helps identify duties and controls. Duty also depends on factors such as origin and value; six digits alone aren't a tax quote.
A checked classification gives you a useful reference for the same product. Review it when the product, rules, destination or tariff edition changes.
A wrong code can create more work. A good description and a checked candidate are more useful than a confident guess.
Use the full code when the relevant customs declaration requires it, when the carrier asks for it, or when checking destination duties and controls.
For China → UK, the UK import entry uses UK requirements. For UK → Australia, the UK export entry and Australian import entry are separate jobs. The extra UK digits don't become an Australian import code.
UK import declarations normally require a 10-digit commodity code. UK exports normally use 8 digits, with exceptions for some declaration types. Check the product and measures in the UK Trade Tariff.
Open the official UK tariff ↗This finder provides the international six digits. The official destination tariff helps you check the rest.Try the details below. A code should support this description, never replace it.
T-shirts; 100% cotton, knitted; adult casual wear.
Create a commercial invoice with your product description, quantities, value and the code you've checked.
HS 2022 edition. Catalogue checked 8 September 2026. Search covers six-digit entries only, with parent descriptions for context. It does not calculate duty or replace tariff notes, a customs ruling or the destination's current tariff.
English descriptions are drawn from the Department for Business and Trade's open tariff data, snapshot v4.0.1595. Only the international levels are used here; UK national extensions are excluded. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.