7 HS Code Mistakes That Get UK Shipments Delayed

# 7 HS Code Mistakes That Get UK Shipments Delayed

A container stuck at port or a van held at the border can ruin a week's work. Often, the reason is simple: the HS code on the paperwork doesn't line up with what's actually in the box.

Here are seven common HS code mistakes we see from UK importers, hauliers and brokers – and how to avoid them.

## Mistake 1 – Using a vague "catch‑all" code

When people are in a hurry, they reach for a very broad code: "other articles of plastic", "other textiles", "other machinery".

Customs loves "other" codes because they're often wrong.

### How to avoid it:

Only use "other" headings once you've ruled out the more specific ones. Make sure your product description is detailed enough (material, use, etc.) so a specific code is possible.

## Mistake 2 – Ignoring the material and composition

Especially for clothing, textiles and plastics, the exact material matters. A hoodie that is mainly cotton can fall in a very different place to one that's mainly synthetic.

### How to avoid it:

- Always know the main fibre/material and a rough percentage split.
- Store that information with your SKUs.
- If suppliers won't give it to you, push them – it directly affects duty rates.

## Mistake 3 – Treating sets and kits like single items

Gift sets, tool kits, "coffee sets", kitchen sets – these often have special treatment. Customs may expect a single classification for the set based on its "essential character", not separate codes for each item.

### How to avoid it:

- Recognise when something is sold as a set/kit.
- Check the rules and guidance for sets in the relevant chapter.
- Document your reasoning for which part gives the set its character.

## Mistake 4 – Blindly trusting the supplier's HS code

Suppliers may give you a code that works in their country, or one they've guessed. It may not be correct under UK rules or latest updates.

### How to avoid it:

- Treat supplier codes as starting suggestions only.
- Run your own check based on the product description and UK tariff.
- If you change the code, record why.

## Mistake 5 – Different codes used for the same product

If different departments (purchasing, warehouse, broker) each pick their own code, you end up with:

- the same SKU declared differently over time
- inconsistent paperwork
- red flags in audits

### How to avoid it:

- Centralise HS codes at SKU level in one shared list.
- Give every product a "master" HS code and require everyone to use it.
- Review and update the master list when regulations change.

## Mistake 6 – No written rationale

When HMRC asks why you chose a particular code, "we've always used it" is not an answer.

### How to avoid it:

For each HS decision, write a one‑line justification. Example:

"Classified as LED lighting fixtures under heading XXXX because goods are a complete lighting kit with LED elements and power supply."

Store this with your SKU or in a simple spreadsheet.

## Mistake 7 – No visibility of "risky" classifications

Some products are straightforward. Others are borderline – mixed materials, kits, new tech. Treating all codes as equally certain is dangerous.

### How to avoid it:

- Use a simple internal flag or confidence score to mark risky items.
- Review low‑confidence classifications manually or with a specialist.
- Prioritise these for any audits or internal checks.

## How TariffGenius helps avoid these mistakes

TariffGenius is built to support exactly this:

- You paste descriptions or upload a CSV.
- The system suggests HS codes and gives:
- a one‑line rationale (your written "why")
- an invoice‑ready description
- a confidence score and edge‑case badges (e.g. set/kit, material uncertain, composition threshold)
- You export the results, review them, and push them into your systems.

You keep control of the final decision, but you get a structured, repeatable process and less manual guesswork.

## Summary

- Most customs delays related to HS codes come from predictable mistakes: vague codes, ignoring material, mishandling sets, over‑trusting suppliers, and poor documentation.
- A central list of SKUs with HS codes and simple rationales dramatically reduces risk.
- Tools like TariffGenius can do the heavy lifting on suggestions and documentation, while you get the best of both worlds: speed and defensibility.

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