Tariff classification and HS code: what it is and why it sets the tax
The Harmonized System is a six-digit international nomenclature all countries share; each country extends it to eight or ten digits (NCM in Mercosur, HTS in the United States). The same product has the same six-digit code worldwide.
A wrong classification charges the wrong tax, and customs can reclassify, charge the difference and fine. Under simplified regimes with a flat rate, classification matters less for the tax but still matters for prohibitions and permits.
How HS classification works in our operation
MailAmericas classifies products at clearance from the description and category the seller loads. The more precise the product description in the catalogue, the lower the risk of reclassification at destination.
Request a quoteFrequently asked question
Do I need to know the HS code of every product I sell?
It is not required to operate, but it helps. A clear product description (material, use, composition) is enough for clearance to classify it correctly.