HS codes (Harmonized System)

HS (Harmonized System) codes provide precise and uniform classification of goods worldwide. They facilitate customs processes, enable accurate calculation of duties and taxes, and support international trade analysis.

They should be included on commercial invoices and customs documents for international shipments.

HS codes consist of six digits, where each group of two numbers refers to specific categories of goods. For example, the first two digits define the tariff section, the next two are the commodity position, and the following indicate a specific product within the group. Thanks to this methodology, each product can be precisely classified.

How to assign HS codes to products in BaseLinker

When dispatching an international shipment in BaseLinker, some couriers require providing HS codes and countries of origin for the shipped products in dedicated fields.

These fields can be filled automatically. To do this, you must first create your own additional fields and enter appropriate values for individual products in the BaseLinker Catalog.

1. Go to the Products → Settings → Additional fields section and click the green +Add an additional field button.
2. Configure the additional field according to the following guidelines:
   • Additional field name: HS Code;
   • Type: Short field;
   • Type: Textbox.
3. Add another additional field, setting it up as follows:
   • Additional field name: Manufacturer country code;
   • Type: Short field;
   • Type: Textbox or List.
4. Fill in the created additional fields on product cards (Products → Product list → Edit → tab Product → part Your additional fields).
   Country codes should be entered in abbreviated form (e.g., PL for Poland, DE for Germany).

5. Done! The data entered this way will be automatically filled in when dispatching packages.

Where to find the HS codes

• Official WCO search engine – The World Customs Organization provides complete lists of HS codes.
• Search engines on government websites – many countries provide databases with HS codes and additional information on duties and taxes. It’s worth using them depending on which country we’re shipping to: search engine for the United Kingdom, search engine for the United States. 
• Online tools – Companies specializing in international trade and logistics often offer tools for searching HS codes, where you can enter a detailed description of goods to receive the appropriate code.