HS Codes for International Shipments

Xometry gets your parts manufactured through a carefully vetted manufacturing network comprising over 10,000 suppliers worldwide, including regions such as Europe, the UK, Turkey, and China. To swiftly place your parts with our global network and expedite logistics, we occasionally request customers to provide an HS code when placing orders. This article aims to clarify the importance of these codes and provides insights into the tools you can utilise to identify relevant HS codes for your specific parts.

What is an HS Code?

An HS code (Harmonized System code), is a standardised numerical classification system used by international customs when importing products into a country. Offering a universally recognised method, this system employs a structured series of digits to categorise products based on various criteria such as type, materials, and manufacturing processes. It is primarily used to determine the customs duties paid on imports when parts are produced outside of Europe and the United Kingdom.

HS codes, consisting of 6 digits, are structured into Chapters (initial 2 digits), Headings (first 4 digits), and Subheadings (complete 6 digits). This classification system extends its granularity through subdivisions into 7- to 12-digit items, varying by country and alternatively known as commodity codes or national tariff lines.

When is It Essential to Have a Correct HS Code?

Providing the correct HS code is essential when your parts are produced outside of Europe and the United Kingdom. With such orders, completing import and export clearances is mandatory. HS codes enable Xometry to conduct thorough Intrastat reporting.

Additionally, the HS code ensures that parts are accurately classified, facilitating customs clearance and timely delivery to their destination without any delays.

Find the Right HS Code for Your Product

Check the Classification

How Do You Find HS Codes?

The best way to find the right HS code for your product is to use an HS search or lookup tool. The World Customs Organization has a tool you can use here: https://www.wcotradetools.org/en/harmonized-system

Please note that if a valid HS code is required for parts produced outside of Europe and the United Kingdom, it is also very important for us to understand the purpose (end use) of the part to prove the validity of the HS code. If you are not sure about what HS code to choose, Xometry can choose it for you based on the detailed information you provided.

Since we cater to various industries, the key is a clear and complete end use (what equipment the parts are installed in, intended purpose). For instance: Cover/ pulley/ handle/sensor body part for a test bench/ for a conveyor belt in a food production plant/ for a coolant pump in a milling machine and so on.

If you already know your HS code, please provide it as in the example below:

Why Do Customers Need to Provide HS Codes?

Unlike a specialty manufacturer that produces one type of good, Xometry manufactures custom parts and assemblies for our customers with virtually endless possibilities across a diverse range of industries. Without our customer’s input, the nature of our business makes it nearly impossible to know precisely what each part we produce is intended to be used for. For liability reasons, we cannot guess what a part will be used for to determine its classification; therefore, we ask our customers to provide the relevant HS code for their goods.