What’s Changing With HS Codes for EU Shipments?
by EasyPost
Last updated: July 14th, 2023
As part of their ICS2 program, the European Union (EU) requires all imported shipments to have a Harmonized System (HS) tariff code with at least six digits on all customs forms and in any electronic shipping data.
The new system will go into effect starting March 1, 2023, and any international EU shipment without a proper HS code will be rejected by USPS starting October 02, 2023. The HS codes were designed to increase accountability and efficiency as well as decrease the risk of fraud and security threats. Any shipper with packages destined for the EU will be affected by this regulation. Failure to comply could result in fines, penalties, customs delays, return of items, and security risks.
Which countries will this affect?
Austria | Germany | Norway |
Belgium | Greece | Poland |
Bulgaria | Hungary | Portugal |
Croatia | Ireland | Romania |
Cyprus, Republic of | Italy | Slovakia |
Czech Republic | Latvia | Slovenia |
Denmark | Lithuania | Spain |
Estonia | Luxembourg | Sweden |
Finland | Malta | Switzerland |
France | Netherlands |
How is the USPS handling this new requirement?
All international shipments to the EU countries listed above must comply with these customs rules, including gifts and online orders. Only non-dutiable document shipments are exempt.
What does this mean to you, as an International USPS Shipper? You will need to include 6-digit HS codes on all items in your shipments. From October 2nd, 2023 onwards, all shipments not containing the required 6-digit HS code that falls under this mandate will be rejected. Ensure your shipments are properly labeled to reduce potential shipping delays.
In addition to the minimum six digits of an HS code, every item within the package must be listed on the customs declaration form. The descriptions for these items have to be sufficiently descriptive. The USPS has provided guidance for what is and is not acceptable. For more information on requirements and how to look up an HS code visit the USPS’ website.
Unacceptable | Acceptable |
|---|---|
Clothes | Men’s shirts, girls’ vest, boys’ jackets |
Batteries | Lithium batteries |
Gifts | Scented candle, remote-controlled car, cashmere scarf |
How are other air express operators like DHL, FedEx and UPS handling this new requirement?
ICS2 is required for all shipments transiting via any EU country, even if the final destination is not a part of the EU. For example, a shipment from Asia to the UK, where the goods are transiting via any EU country, would be subject to the new customs rules. In addition to providing the shipper and receiver’s name, address, contact details, total number of packages, weight, and customs documentation, shippers are now required to provide the following:
- Six-digit HS codes
- Acceptable goods description (see the full EU guidelines)
- For EU-27, the recipient’s EORI number (see the full EU guidelines)
How are carriers such as Asendia, APC, PassportGlobal, OmniParcel/SEKO handling this new requirement?
International carriers such as Asendia, APC, and PassportGlobal confirmed that they will be handling HS code sorting on their side automatically to avoid shipping delays.
Some carriers may offer separate solutions for their shippers. If the carrier will not provide customs info you will see this error: HS Code required for shipments to EU
For example, OmniParcel/Seko integration will require the following:
HS requirement | Input within EasyPost API |
|---|---|
Six-digit HS codes | Complete fields in CustomsItems Object including hs_tariff_number for each item. Shippers can find valid HS codes on the U.S. International Trade Commission website or with the USPS Postage Price Calculator. |
Acceptable item description | Complete fields in CustomsItems Object including description string (max 255 characters) with human readable detailed description of each item. |
Please reach out to your international carrier if you have any additional questions.
EasyPost’s API makes it simple to stay compliant
USPS
HS requirement | Input within EasyPost API |
|---|---|
Six-digit HS codes | Complete fields in CustomsItems Object including hs_tariff_number for each item. Shippers can find valid HS codes on the U.S. International Trade Commission website or with the USPS Postage Price Calculator. |
Acceptable item description | Complete fields in CustomsItems Object including description string (max 255 characters) with human readable detailed description of each item. |
DHL, FedEx, UPS, and other operators
ICS2 requirement | Input within EasyPost API |
|---|---|
Six-digit HS codes | Complete fields in CustomsItems Object including hs_tariff_number. Shippers can find valid HS codes on the U.S. International Trade Commission website or with the USPS Postage Price Calculator. |
Acceptable goods description | Complete fields in CustomsInfo Object including contents_explanation string (max 255 characters) with human readable description of content. |
For EU-27, the recipient’s EORI number | Complete fields in TaxIdentifier Object. |
If you have any questions, please reach out to your dedicated EasyPost representative or our support team at support@easypost.com.