What is an HS code?
The Harmonized System (HS) is a global product classification managed by the World Customs Organization. Over 200 countries use it to calculate import duties. Every traded product has a 6-digit HS code; individual countries extend it to 8 or 10 digits (HTSUS in the US, TARIC in the EU, CN8 elsewhere).
If you import anything — physical goods, supplies, materials, components — you need the right HS code. Get it wrong and three things happen:
- You overpay duties. Wrong code with a higher duty rate = surprise bill.
- Your shipment gets held. Customs flags the discrepancy and your goods sit.
- You miss out on free-trade agreements. The right code might qualify your shipment for a 0% duty under USMCA, EU FTAs, or CPTPP.
Why HS codes matter more in 2026
Three things changed in 2024-2025 that turned HS classification from an afterthought into a survival skill for small importers:
- The de minimis exemption ended. Through August 2025, US imports under $800 were duty-free. That exemption is gone. Every parcel — including drop-shipped Shopify orders and Amazon FBA replenishment — now needs an HS code.
- Tariffs spiked. Effective tariff rates jumped from 31.5% (Nov 2023) to 176.5% (Apr 2025) on common categories. The penalty for a wrong code went from annoying to bankrupting.
- Some tariffs were voided. Recent court rulings struck down certain Section 301 tariffs. Importers who paid them in 2024-2025 can file for refunds. See our refund audit.
How HS Mate's lookup works
You type a product description. We do three things, in this order:
- Match against the WTO 2022 nomenclature. All 5,300+ 6-digit codes are in our database. We use semantic search (not keyword match) so synonyms work.
- Cross-reference duty rates. Each code is tied to typical US, EU, and UK duty rates so you can estimate landed cost.
- Audit trail. Every classification includes the reasoning — which chapter, which heading, why this code over the alternatives. Your customs broker can review and accept.
Who uses HS Mate
Amazon FBA sellers
FBA replenishment shipments need an HS code on every customs invoice. Most sellers rely on their freight forwarder's auto-classification, which is wrong often enough to cause $5k-50k surprise bills. HS Mate gives you the code before you ship so there are no surprises.
Shopify and DTC importers
Drop-shipped orders cross borders. Each one needs an HS code on the customs declaration. Wrong codes mean held parcels and angry customers. HS Mate bulk-classifies your catalog so your fulfillment partner has the right code on every order.
Customs brokers
Brokers handle dozens of classifications a day. HS Mate's API integrates with your TMS so you can drop in product descriptions and get back ranked candidates with audit trails. We do not replace your judgment — we accelerate it.
Refund hunters
If you paid Section 301 tariffs in 2024 or 2025, some of those payments are recoverable. HS Mate audits your past shipments, identifies the refund opportunities, and files the paperwork. We charge 15% contingency — if you don't get paid, neither do we. See our duty refund audit.
Pricing
- Free. Basic 6-digit lookup. No signup.
- €4.99 per shipment. Written classification report with audit trail.
- €29/mo unlimited. Unlimited lookups, monthly audit of your imports.
- €99/mo business. Team workspace, API access, batch classification.
- 15% contingency on refunds. We file. You only pay when CBP pays you.