Have you ever wondered how customs officials around the world can instantly identify and process millions of different products crossing borders every day? The secret lies in a universal language of numbers called commodity codes.

Think of commodity codes as the universal language of international trade – they help ensure that a smartphone shipped from China is classified the same way whether it arrives in New York, London, or Sydney. But how exactly do these codes work, and when do you need to use them? AI HS Code Finder will help you find the most accurate HS code for your product. Then you can easily find your commodity number.

What Is a Commodity Number?

Think of commodity codes as the “postal codes” of international trade. Just like your address helps mail reach your home, commodity codes help customs officials identify exactly what products are crossing their borders.

A commodity code is a numerical classification system used to identify specific products or goods for customs and international trade purposes. These codes are sequences of numbers that classify products for import and export, making it possible for countries to communicate about trade efficiently, regardless of language barriers.
You might also hear commodity codes referred to by these names:

• Classification codes
• Tariff codes
• Customs tariff numbers
• HS codes (Harmonized System codes)

The beauty of this system is that it creates a standardized way to categorize goods based on their type, use, and material. This means a leather handbag has the same basic classification whether it’s being shipped from Italy to Japan or from Brazil to Canada.

What Is a Commodity Code for Shipping?

At the heart of all commodity codes lies the Harmonized System (HS), a universal six-digit classification managed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Think of it as the common foundation that all countries build upon.
Here’s how the six-digit structure works:

Digit Position	What It Represents	Example (Apples: 080810)
First 2 digits	Chapter	08 = Edible fruits and nuts
Next 2 digits	Heading within chapter	08 = Specific fruit category
Final 2 digits	Sub-heading	10 = Fresh apples

While the first six digits are universal, countries often need more precision. That’s where extended commodity codes come in. Different regions add extra digits to create more specific classifications for their tariff policies.

Trade Direction	Code Length	System Used	Purpose
Export	8 digits	Combined Nomenclature (CN)	Specific export measures
Import	10 digits	TARIC system	Specific import measures
Special cases	+4 digits	TARIC Additional Code	Extra classification needs

Some countries extend their codes even further – up to 14 digits! This allows for incredibly specific product classification and targeted trade policies.

Real-World Examples of Commodity Codes

Let’s look at some practical examples to see how this system works in action:

Example 1: Leather Handbags

• HS Code: 420211
• Chapter 42: Articles of leather, travel goods, handbags
• Heading 02: Trunks, suitcases, handbags and similar containers
• Sub-heading 21: With outer surface of leather

UK Extended Codes:

• Handmade leather handbags: 4202210010
• All other leather handbags: 4202210090

Example 2: Women’s Knitted Cotton Jumper

• Import code: 6106100000 (10 digits)
• Export code: 61061000 (8 digits)
• Section 11: Textiles and textile articles
• Chapter 61: Knitted or crocheted apparel
• Further classification: Women’s cotton blouses/shirts

Example 3: Snack Mix (Freeze-dried Fruit)

The classification process considers:

• 02: Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts
• 08: Fruit preparations
• 97: Mixtures

Can you see the pattern? Each level gets more specific, helping customs officials understand exactly what they’re dealing with.

What Commodity Code Should I Use?

Here’s where many traders feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry – finding the right code is manageable if you follow a systematic approach.

Step 1: Gather Detailed Product Information

Before you start searching, you need to know your product inside and out:

• What is it? Main purpose, functionality, and use
• What’s it made of? Complete breakdown of materials
• Technical specifications
• How is it packaged?
• Is it assembled or unfinished?
• Manufacturing process details

Have you ever tried to describe a product to someone over the phone? It’s similar – the more details you have, the easier it becomes to classify accurately.

Step 2: Use Official Online Databases

Region	Recommended Resource	Website Focus
Ireland/EU	European Commission TARIC	EU-specific classifications
Northern Ireland	GOV.UK Online Tariff	UK trade tariff database
General	National customs websites	Country-specific lookups

These official databases allow you to search by product keywords and match your item with provided specifications. Remember, while the first six digits are universal, extended classifications can vary by country.

Step 3: Get Professional Help When Needed

Sometimes self-assessment isn’t enough. When should you seek help?

• Complex products with multiple materials or functions
• High-value shipments where mistakes are costly
• Products that could fit multiple categories
• When you’re unsure about technical specifications

Contact Points:

• Ireland: [email protected]
• Northern Ireland: [email protected]

Step 4: Consider a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) Ruling

Think of a BTI ruling as getting an official stamp of approval on your classification. While not legally required, it provides:

• Legal certainty for three years
• Clear determination of duties and restrictions
• Peace of mind for regular shipments

The ruling itself is free, though you might incur costs for laboratory analysis or expert advice.

Step 5: Leverage Technology

Modern AI-powered tools and software can help streamline the classification process. AI HS-code lookup tool will help you find the most accurate HS code for your product.

What Is A Commodity Code Used for?

Understanding when to use commodity codes can save you time, money, and potential legal headaches. Here are the key situations where these codes become essential:

1- Completing Customs Declarations and Paperwork

Every time goods cross international borders, you must include the correct commodity code on customs declarations. This isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement. The codes must appear on:

• Customs declarations
• Commercial invoices
• Bills of lading
• Import and export documentation

2- Shipping Goods Across Borders

Whether you’re importing products for your business or serving customers internationally, commodity codes are your ticket to smooth customs clearance. They help customs officials quickly identify what’s in your shipment without having to physically inspect every package.

3- Determining Customs Duties, Taxes, and Regulations

Here’s where commodity codes directly impact your wallet. Customs authorities use these codes to determine:

• Appropriate tariffs and taxes
• VAT obligations
• Specific duties and fees
• Real-time tax calculations

The right classification could mean the difference between paying 5% or 25% duty on your goods. That’s why accuracy matters so much.

Identifying Restrictions and Prohibitions

Not all products can be freely traded between countries. Commodity codes help identify:
• Regulated products requiring special licenses
• Banned or prohibited items
• Products subject to trade restrictions
• Items covered by international agreements

5. Import vs. Export Requirements

The complexity of commodity codes varies depending on whether you’re importing or exporting:

For Exports (UK/EU):

• Typically use 8-digit commodity codes
• Add two extra digits to the 6-digit HS code
• Focus on specific export measures

For Imports (UK/EU):

• Typically use 10-digit commodity codes
• May extend to 14 digits in some cases
• Include TARIC (Integrated Tariff) specifications
• Required for TARIC import declarations

Which Countries Use Commodity Codes?

The beauty of commodity codes lies in their near-universal adoption, but with interesting regional variations that reflect local trade policies and requirements.

The Universal Foundation: HS Codes

The Harmonized System forms the backbone of global trade classification. Here’s what makes it special:

• Used by over 200 countries and economies
• Covers more than 98% of international trade
• Governed by the World Customs Organization (WCO)
• Provides standardized 6-digit base codes

This means that whether you’re trading with Japan, Brazil, or Germany, the first six digits of your commodity code will be understood everywhere.

Country-Specific Extensions

While the first six digits are universal, countries add their own digits to address specific needs:

Region	Export Code Length	Import Code Length	Special Features
EU/UK	8 digits	10-14 digits	Combined Nomenclature (CN)
United States	10 digits	10 digits	Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
Canada	8-10 digits	8-10 digits	Canadian Tariff Schedule

The European system provides an excellent example of how countries customize the universal HS framework:

Combined Nomenclature (CN) – 8 Digits:

• Used for exports from EU/UK
• Adds two digits to the 6-digit HS code
• Enables specific export measures
• Required for Intrastat declarations between EU member states

TARIC System – 10+ Digits:

• Used for imports into EU/UK
• Can extend up to 14 digits
• Includes additional 4-digit TARIC codes when needed
• Provides detailed import-specific classifications

Regional Tools and Resources:

• Ireland: Uses European Commission TARIC Consultation site
• Northern Ireland: Uses GOV.UK Northern Ireland Online Tariff service
• UK: HMRC commodity code system with UK-specific VAT and licensing data