HS Codes Explained: A Simple Guide for UK Importers and Hauliers

# HS Codes Explained: A Simple Guide for UK Importers and Hauliers

If you move goods into or out of the UK, you've already met the HS code system – usually when something goes wrong.

Maybe a shipment was delayed. Maybe the duty bill came back higher than expected. Very often the root cause is simple: the HS code on the paperwork wasn't quite right.

This guide is for people who don't live in tariff books all day – small importers, hauliers, freight forwarders, Amazon sellers, anyone who just wants to get customs right without losing hours.

We'll keep the language plain, show you how HS codes work, and give you a repeatable way to classify products. At the end we'll also show how a tool like TariffGenius can speed this up.

## What is an HS code, in plain English?

The Harmonized System (HS) is a global list of product categories. Every tradable product is put into one of these boxes so customs authorities know:

- what the product is
- what duty/VAT rules apply
- whether any restrictions or licences are needed

An HS code is usually 6 digits at international level, and many countries extend it to 8 or 10 digits. In the UK you'll often see 10‑digit commodity codes.

Example:

- 62 – Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted
- 6205 – Men's or boys' shirts
- 620520 – Of cotton

So if you import men's cotton shirts, you're probably in 620520… and then a longer UK code underneath that.

## Why HS codes actually matter

Getting the code right matters because it drives:

- Duty and VAT – different codes mean different rates.
- Checks and inspections – some codes are "high risk" and attract more scrutiny.
- Licences and restrictions – some products are controlled; the wrong code can hide this.
- Audits and penalties – HMRC can demand underpaid duty plus penalties and interest.

A wrong code doesn't always mean handcuffs, but it can easily mean:

- shipments held in customs
- extra paperwork and questions
- bills you weren't expecting

## How HS codes are structured (without the jargon)

Think of the HS as a tree:

- Chapters – 2 digits (e.g. 62 = clothing)
- Headings – 4 digits (e.g. 6205 = men's shirts)
- Subheadings – 6 digits and beyond (e.g. 620520 = of cotton)

From there, each country adds more detail. The UK adds digits to get to a 10‑digit commodity code.

You don't need to memorise this structure. What you do need is a basic feel:

- similar products live together
- material and use often decide between similar options
- sets/kits and mixed materials have special treatment

## Common mistakes people make with HS codes

Even experienced traders repeat the same errors:

### Guessing from a similar product

"This looks like that other product we import, I'll reuse the code…" – but a small change in material or use can put it in a completely different chapter.

### Blindly copying the supplier's code

Suppliers may give a code that works in their country, but it doesn't always line up with UK rules or latest updates.

### Ignoring material and composition

Clothing, textiles, plastics – the percentages and fibres matter. "Cotton‑poly blend" vs "mainly polyester" can change the chapter and duty.

### Treating sets and kits as a single part

A tool kit, gift set, or "coffee set" might be treated as a set under special rules, not just as "mugs" or "tools".

### No written "why"

Many companies pick a code and move on. Then HMRC asks "why did you choose this?" and nobody can answer.

## A simple step‑by‑step way to find a code

You don't need to be a tariff guru. You just need a consistent process.

### Step 1 – Write a clear product description

Include:

- what it is (shirt, LED strip, yoga mat, etc.)
- what it's made of (materials and approximate percentages)
- what it's used for (intended use)
- whether it's a set/kit/gift set
- any special features (electronics, battery, food/cosmetic usage)

Example:
"Men's hoodie made from 65% cotton, 35% polyester, brushed fleece, with front kangaroo pocket and hood."

### Step 2 – Identify the likely chapter

Ask yourself: Is this clothing? A machine? Food? Furniture? Electronics?

Use the UK tariff / NSO search to find a rough chapter, or use a tool like TariffGenius to suggest likely headings from the description.

### Step 3 – Drill down using material and use

Once you're in the right chapter, look for:

- material (cotton, wool, synthetic, plastic, metal, etc.)
- sex/age (men's/women's/boys'/girls' for clothing)
- knitted vs not knitted
- function (household vs industrial, for example)

### Step 4 – Check for special rules

Look at:

- section/chapter notes
- rules for sets and kits
- any exclusions ("this heading does not cover…")

### Step 5 – Record your reasoning

When you've chosen a code, write a short line explaining why.

Example:
"Classified under 620520 as men's woven shirts of cotton – main fibre cotton (>50%)."

This one line becomes your defence if customs ever ask.

## How TariffGenius can speed this up

Doing the full manual process is fine for a few products. But if you have dozens or hundreds of SKUs, it gets painful.

TariffGenius is built to help with the boring part:

- You paste a messy description (or upload a CSV).
- It suggests an HS code with:
- one‑line rationale – the "why" written out for you
- invoice‑ready description – text you can paste into documents
- confidence score & badges – see quickly which ones need human review
- You export everything to CSV for your system or broker.

You still stay in control – you review the codes and keep final responsibility – but you skip hours of copy‑pasting and guesswork.

## Key takeaways

- HS codes are just product categories that drive duty, VAT, checks, and restrictions.
- Material, use, and whether something is a set/kit are often the key deciding factors.
- The biggest mistake is guessing and not writing down your reasoning.
- A repeatable process (good descriptions + structured search + written rationale) keeps you safe.
- Tools like TariffGenius can do the heavy lifting on suggestions and documentation, while you stay in charge of the final choice.

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