Shipping to Europe: HS Codes (July 2023)

Beginning July 1, 2023 shipments destined to the European Union (EU), Norway and Switzerland will have new regulations on Harmonized System (HS) tariff code. This will affect customs forms and accompanying shipping data files sent by Stallion Express to our respective carrier partners. 

This change is coming into effect to increase accountability, efficiency and decrease the risk of fraud and security threats. You may learn more about it by clicking here.

Anyone shipping to the EU must include HS Codes and full descriptions of the content within each individual package. Previously a recommendation, it is now a mandatory requirement.

Read on to see what action is required by you and what you need to know when shipping to Europe.

What is changing?

All shipments arriving in the EU will now be required to have specific and accurate item descriptions, in addition to providing the appropriate HS tariff code for each item shipped.

To learn more about providing acceptable item descriptions, view our chart below.

As another resource, here’s a link to read the EU’s guidance on acceptable terms.

Depending on the way you import shipment details, you will notice a form field for HS Codes when creating shipments on your Stallion Express dashboard. This is where you’ll enter the appropriate HS tariff code.

Here’s a resource from Canada Post to assist you in finding an HS Code.

Key Takeaways

If you ship to customers in the EU, Norway, or Switzerland you will need to:

1. Ensure your shipment item descriptions are accurate and specific
2. Ensure that your shipments include the applicable HS Codes on Stallion Express

Friendly reminder that Stallion’s international shipping services do not have a return service due to varying rules and regulations with each country.

Have questions or concerns? Reach out to our customer support team at [email protected] or through our toll-free number at 877-863-7447.

Note: EU Countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

For any other questions and concerns, keep in touch with us at [email protected] or call 877-863-7447.

Aman Chopra

Aman looks after the content marketing department at Stallion Express. He is passionate about helping businesses grow by providing informative and up-to-date trends in the eCommerce industry. Outside the office, you can find him on the soccer field cheering on Real Madrid.