Find out what an HS tariff code is and how to find the right one so your international parcel is sent correctly.
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Audio: Man: HS tariff codes - great author. Recommend his books to anyone.
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Audio: Man: An HS tariff code is a number on an international shipping label, helping to calculate duties and taxes. Australia Post have tools to help MyPost Business and Parcel Contract customers find the correct HS tariff code.
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Audio: Man: Oh, it's another way to help you work out your costs. That's great.
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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.
There are a few ways to identify the correct HS tariff code:
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.
Using the wrong HS tariff code can lead to customs delays, incorrect duties or taxes being charged, or your parcel being held for further review.
The HS tariff code needs to be printed on the shipping label. This is done automatically when you print your labels from MyPost Business.
HS tariff codes are reviewed and updated every five years by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to reflect changes in global trade, new technologies and emerging product categories. While many classifications remain unchanged, it's a good idea to regularly check you're using the correct code for the items you send, particularly if you ship internationally on a regular basis.
Yes. Every item sent internationally requires customs information, including an accurate description of the goods and the appropriate HS tariff code. This information helps customs authorities process your shipment and assess any import requirements.
HS tariff codes help customs authorities determine which duties and taxes apply to imported goods. Using the correct code helps ensure charges are calculated as accurately as possible. If you're selling to the United States, learn more about how tariffs can affect cross-border trade in our article on tariffs for Australian eCommerce businesses.
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