Harmonised System (HS) codes were developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to identify products so that customs authorities worldwide have a standardised numerical method of classifying traded products.
They're used by customs authorities around the world to identify products when assessing duties and taxes and for gathering statistics. HS codes are also known as Tariff Codes or Commodity Codes and are typically between 6 to 10 digits depending on where you are shipping.
If you are shipping goods or merchandise to the EU, it is now mandatory to add a minimum 6-digit HS code to the label, an 8-digit for Germany and a 10-digit for Ireland for commercial items.
You can use our online postage tool to create and buy postage labels. The tool has an integrated HS code lookup function that you can use to find the correct code for your item. Alternatively, there are a variety of HS Code lookup tools available online where you enter the item you’re sending then you select the description that best fits that item.
For example
If you’re sending leather shoes, enter shoes, then choose the most appropriate description. In this example, it would be “outer soles of shoes, of leather or composition leather”. Copy the HS code associated with that description.
For more information on HS codes or to look up a code online, visit:
The simplest and most convenient way to ensure you meet all the customs requirements when sending items off-island is to use Jersey Post’s online postage portal.
