What is an HS Tariff Code?

What is an HS tariff code?

Every item sent internationally has a code that helps customs authorities easily identify which taxes or duties to charge for the goods. This is an HS tariff code.

‘HS’ stands for Harmonised System, a set of more than 5,000 official product categories used by Australia and our trading partners.

When you send goods to international destinations, it’s important that you find the correct HS tariff code to use on the postage label.

How do you find your HS tariff code?

There are a few ways to identify the correct HS tariff code:

• With MyPost Business, you can search for the HS tariff code as you enter an item to send internationally.
• If you’re a Parcel Contract customer, you can integrate with our Shipping and Tracking APIs. This will give you access to international sending tools including an HS tariff code search.
• You can also search for HS tariff codes online through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

HS tariff codes are updated every five years, so it’s a good idea to regularly check you’re using the correct codes for the items you send.

How important is it to get the HS tariff code correct?

Using an accurate HS tariff code is a customs compliance requirement.

Using the correct HS tariff code also helps you calculate the shipping costs to pass on to your customers. Your certainty and strong communication on these costs can give your international customers confidence in your business.

Where does the HS tariff code go?

The HS tariff code needs to be printed on the shipping label. This is done automatically when you print your labels from MyPost Business.