How to use Commodity Codes the right way

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1 Aug 2025

What is a commodity code?

A commodity code is a standardized number used to identify goods during import and export. Think of it as a product ID for international trade.

These codes determine:

The amount of duty or tax you need to pay
Whether you need a license or certificate
If restrictions or prohibitions apply

In short, the right commodity code keeps your shipment moving, while the wrong one could lead to delays, penalties or even seizure.

Commodity code vs HS code: what’s the difference?

The terms commodity code and HS code are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences.

The Harmonized System (HS) is a global standard developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), used by over 200 countries. It consists of six digits.

A commodity code, as used in the EU, builds on the HS code by adding extra digits (up to 10 in total) to provide more detail for local customs authorities.

So: every EU commodity code starts with an HS code, but not every HS code is a full commodity code.

For example: A cotton T-shirt might have an HS code like 6109.10. The full EU commodity code for that cotton T-shirt could be 6109.10.00.10.

When shipping within or into the EU, the customs code usually refers to this extended commodity code.

Why do commodity codes matter for e-commerce?

If you’re an online retailer shipping internationally, commodity codes are essential. Getting the wrong code might not seem like a big deal, until your package gets stuck at the border.

Here’s what can go wrong:

Delays at customs because the product isn’t properly identified.
Extra costs if the wrong code triggers high taxes.
Legal trouble if the misclassification looks like you’re trying to cheat the system (even if it’s unintentional).

That’s why knowing the correct commodity codes for imports is crucial. Using the correct commodity code helps your shipments move faster and keeps your costs and paperwork under control.

How to find the right commodity code

Finding the right code for your product isn’t as tricky as you might think. Here are a few practical ways to identify the correct code:

✅ Use a commodity code checker
There are several online tools, also known as tariff code lookups, that help you search by product type. A few examples of commodity code checkers:

EU Access2Markets (official EU tool)
UK Trade Tariff Tool (useful for comparison)

✅ Check the commodity code list
Most customs authorities maintain a full commodity code list (also called a tariff schedule), where you can browse by section or chapter. Products are grouped logically, for example, electronics, textiles or food and beverages.

✅ Ask your supplier
Often, manufacturers already know the correct code for their products, especially if they’re exporting regularly.

✅ Be as specific as possible
The more accurate your product description, the more precise your code. “Cotton T-shirt” and “Polyester sportswear” may fall under different categories.

European commodity codes in practice

In the EU, commodity codes are used for both import and export declarations. They’re also tied to VAT rates, anti-dumping measures and specific trade agreements (such as those with Canada or Japan). Keeping your codes up to date is key, especially when product classifications or trade rules change.

Get help from your shipping platform

At Shipcloud, we help automate many parts of the shipping process, including customs. Our integrations allow you to include the correct commodity codes in your customs declaration, reducing the risk of delays and making cross-border shipping smoother.

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