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What’s Changing With HS Codes for EU Shipments?

by EasyPost
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As part of their ICS2opens in new tab program, the European Union (EU) requires all imported shipments to have a Harmonized System (HS)opens in new tab tariff code with at least six digits on all customs forms and in any electronic shipping data.

The new regulations will go into effect starting March 1, 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 to 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?

AustriaGermanyNorway
BelgiumGreecePoland
BulgariaHungaryPortugal
CroatiaIrelandRomania
Cyprus, Republic ofItalySlovakia
Czech RepublicLatviaSlovenia
DenmarkLithuaniaSpain
EstoniaLuxembourgSweden
FinlandMaltaSwitzerland
FranceNetherlands

How is the USPS handling this new requirement?

All international shipments going to the EU countries listed above must comply with these customs rules, including small gifts, online orders, and military or diplomatic mail (APO/DPO/FPO).

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’ websiteopens in new tab.

UnacceptableAcceptable
ClothesMen’s shirts, girls’ vest, boys’ jackets
BatteriesLithium batteries
GiftsScented candle, remote-controlled car, cashmere scarf

How are other air express operators such as DHL, FedEx and UPS handling this new requirement?

ICS2opens in new tab 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 custom’s documentation, shippers are now required to provide the following:

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 customs info will be not provided by the carrier you will see this error: HS Code required for shipments to EU

For example, OmniParcel/Seko integration will require the following:

HS requirementInput within EasyPost API
Six-digit HS codesComplete fields in CustomsItems Object including hs_tariff_number for each item. Shippers can find valid HS codes on the U.S. International Trade Commission websiteopens in new tab or with the USPS Postage Price Calculatoropens in new tab.
Acceptable item descriptionComplete 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 pass along the required information and stay compliant

USPS

HS requirementInput within EasyPost API
Six-digit HS codesComplete fields in CustomsItems Object including hs_tariff_number for each item. Shippers can find valid HS codes on the U.S. International Trade Commission websiteopens in new tab or with the USPS Postage Price Calculatoropens in new tab.
Acceptable item descriptionComplete 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 requirementInput within EasyPost API
Six-digit HS codesComplete fields in CustomsItems Object including hs_tariff_number. Shippers can find valid HS codes on the U.S. International Trade Commission websiteopens in new tab or with the USPS Postage Price Calculatoropens in new tab.
Acceptable goods descriptionComplete fields in CustomsInfo Object including contents_explanation string (max 255 characters) with human readable description of content.
For EU-27, the recipient’s EORI numberComplete 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.