How-to

How to find the HS code for a handmade product

HS codes describe what a product is and what it's made of, not what it's for or how special it is. Once you know that, most small-shop products take a few minutes.

The method

Name the product plainly. "Cottagecore Mushroom Lover Gift" becomes "ceramic mug". Customs doesn't care about the theme.
Find the material that gives it its character. A cotton tote with leather handles is a textile bag. A resin-and-wood table is usually classified by whichever material dominates.
Check how it's made. Clothing splits on whether it's knitted (chapter 61) or woven (chapter 62). Jewellery splits on precious metal (7113) versus everything else (7117).
Look it up. Search the plain name in the EU TARIC database or start from our HS code guides.
Use six digits. They are the same worldwide. The EU adds more digits, but Shopify and most label tools accept six.

Traps that catch small sellers

Prints vs. paintings. A giclée print is 4911.91. An original hand-painted canvas is 9701.91.
Gold-plated isn't gold. Plated or gold-filled jewellery is imitation jewellery (7117), not 7113.
Stickers. Vinyl stickers are usually 3919.90 and paper stickers 4821.10.
Sets. A gift set is usually classified by the item that gives it its essential character, or each item is declared separately. Ask your carrier how they declare sets.
Cosmetics, toys, food and candles with additives can face product-safety or import rules on top of the duty.

When to ask for help

For high-value goods, mixed materials, or anything that feels like a judgment call, ask your carrier or a customs broker. In the EU you can also apply for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) decision. It is free and needs an EORI number, and it makes a code official for your product.

General information, not legal or customs advice. Six-digit HS codes are the same worldwide; the EU adds digits (CN 8-digit, TARIC 10-digit). Confirm in the EU TARIC database or with your carrier for unusual products. Last reviewed October 2026.