What an HS code is, in one paragraph
A Harmonized System code is a 6 to 10 digit number that classifies a product for customs worldwide. The first six digits are the same everywhere, and countries add more digits for their own tariffs. You need at least the six digit code on every product you ship across a border.
How to find the right code
- Ask your supplier or manufacturer first. They usually classify their own goods for export and can hand you the code.
- Use your country's official tariff lookup, or Shopify's built-in suggestion, which proposes a code as you type a product description.
- When two codes seem to fit, pick the more specific one that matches the product's material and use, and keep a note of why.
- Do not copy a code from an unrelated product just to fill the field. A wrong code can be worse than a missing one.
Add a code to a single product
Open the product, scroll to the Shipping section of the variant, and enter the number in the Harmonized System (HS) code field. Set the country of origin right above it in the same pass, then save.
Add codes across the whole catalog
- Bulk editor: from the Products list, select the products, open the bulk editor, add the HS code and country of origin columns, and fill them in a grid. Fastest for a few dozen.
- CSV: export your products, fill the HS code and country of origin columns in a spreadsheet, and re-import. Best for hundreds, and it leaves you a record you can hand to a supplier to complete.
- Either way, do the HS code and country of origin together, since you will have the supplier data open.
Mistakes that still hold parcels
- The code set on the product but missing on some variants.
- A four digit code where the destination needs six or more.
- A plausible but wrong code copied from a similar item.
- An HS code present but the country of origin left blank, which stops the declaration just the same.
Check your work
Run the free HS code check to see every variant missing a code or an origin, grouped so you can clear them by product family in a few passes.
Common questions
What is an HS code on Shopify?
It is the Harmonized System code, a 6 to 10 digit customs classification for your product. Shopify stores it per variant in the Shipping section, and customs uses it to assess duties and clear the parcel.
How do I add HS codes to many Shopify products at once?
Use the bulk editor (add the HS code column and fill it in a grid) for a few dozen products, or export to CSV, fill the column, and re-import for hundreds. Set the country of origin in the same pass.
Where is the HS code field in Shopify?
On each variant, in the Shipping section of the product, labelled Harmonized System (HS) code, with country of origin directly above it.
Free · Beta · Read-only
- Free to use, in beta.
- The free check reads only your public storefront. No access to your store required.
- The connected audit uses Shopify's official read-only permissions. Storecheck can look, never write, place orders, or change anything.