# Set up HS codes for international shipments
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360002120496-set-up-hs-codes-for-international-shipments
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360002120496-set-up-hs-codes-for-international-shipments
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360002120496-set-up-hs-codes-for-international-shipments.md
Updated: 2026-10-19

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Add HS codes through your integration, shipping rules, a default or manual item editing, then check the values before shipping.

Add Harmonised System (HS) codes to the items in your international orders through an integration, shipping rules, a default or manual entry. Check the item values before creating a label so your courier receives the intended customs information.

## Before you begin

- Identify the correct code for each product. HS codes classify goods for customs; the code depends on the product and the applicable tariff requirements.
- Confirm the classification with your customs authority, customs broker or courier account manager if you are unsure. Starshipit stores and sends the values you supply.
- Choose where to maintain the codes: in your source platform for imported items, in SKU-based rules, or directly on an individual order. Use a default only where the same code is appropriate for items that have no code.

## Find the correct code

The [World Customs Organization explains the HS classification system](https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx). Use the relevant government tariff tool to check the code for your goods:

- Australia: [Free Trade Agreement Portal](https://ftaportal.dfat.gov.au/).
- New Zealand: [Tariff Finder](https://www.tariff-finder.govt.nz/).
- United Kingdom: [Trade Tariff lookup](https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff).
- United States: [Harmonized Tariff Schedule](https://hts.usitc.gov/).

## Import codes from your platform

Set the code in the supported source field, then check a newly imported order in Starshipit.

| Platform | Source for the item's HS code |
| --- | --- |
| BigCommerce | A product option named `hs code` or `hs codes`. The name is not case sensitive. |
| Brightpearl | Product custom field `PCF_HSCODE`. |
| CSV | The column mapped to the HS-code field in your [CSV file setup](/articles/204503255-csv-file-integration). |
| Magento 1 | Product attribute `commodity_code`. |
| Magento 2 | Product attribute `hs_code`. |
| NetSuite | The `manufacturerTariff` field on the inventory item. |
| Peoplevox | The item attribute selected in **Import HS code from** in the integration settings. |
| Shopify | The product's HS code. Follow [Shopify's customs-information instructions](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/markets/customizations/duties-and-taxes#add-hs-codes-to-your-products). |
| WooCommerce | Product attribute `hs_code`. See [Import HS codes and country of manufacture from WooCommerce](/articles/360002952915-woocommerce-importing-hs-code-country-of-manufacture). |

For Peoplevox, go to **Settings > Integrations > Peoplevox**, select the item attribute under **Import HS code from**, and save. See [Connect Peoplevox to Starshipit](/articles/360000934795-connect-peoplevox-to-starshipit) for the connection prerequisites.

Changing a product in Shopify does not update an order already stored in Starshipit. Check a new order after changing the product, and correct existing unprinted orders separately when needed.

For API-created orders, supply `tariff_code` on each item in the `items` array. See [Automate API order import, printing, and writeback](/articles/14700000001005-automate-api-order-import-printing-and-writeback) for the import workflow and request reference.

## Assign codes with SKU rules

Use an **Item SKU** rule when the SKU identifies the correct classification. A matching HS-code rule can replace an imported code, so check the result if you maintain codes in both places.

1. Go to **Settings > [Rules](https://next.starshipit.com/settings/rules)**.
2. Select **Add a new rule**.
3. Choose **Item SKU** as the condition.
4. Use **Starts with** for a shared SKU prefix, or **Is** for an exact SKU. For multiple exact SKUs, separate them with semicolons.
5. Select **Set HS Code** as the action and enter the confirmed code.
6. Save the rule.
7. Check the code on a newly imported matching item and an item that should not match.

Use a prefix only when every matching product should receive that code. If several HS-code rules match an item, the first matching rule supplies its code.

## Set a default for items without a code

A default HS code supplies a fallback at label creation when an item has no code. It does not populate the item field while the order is still unprinted, and it does not replace an existing item code.

<!-- tabs:start -->

<!-- tab:Classic UI -->
1. Go to **Settings > Options**.
2. Enter the confirmed value in **HS Code**.
3. Click **Save**.

<!-- tab:UI 2.0 -->
1. Go to **Settings > [Options](https://next.starshipit.com/settings/options)**.
2. Enter the confirmed value in **Default HS code**.
3. Click **Save**.

<!-- tabs:end -->

Reopen the settings to confirm the saved default. Before relying on it for a shipment, check the courier's generated customs documents or shipment details where available. If different products need different codes, assign the code to each item rather than relying on one default.

## Correct an individual order

1. Open the unprinted order from the orders grid.
2. Expand **Items** and edit the relevant item.
3. Enter the confirmed value in **HS Code**. In UI 2.0, enable **Show customs fields** if needed and enter digits without dots, spaces or dashes.
4. Save the item changes, then save the order. In the UI 2.0 item editor, select **Update order** before saving the order.
5. Reopen the order and check the code for each item you changed.

See [Update an order](/articles/206705203-update-an-order) for the editing controls in each interface. Correct the order before printing; changing the source product alone does not correct a label already created.

## Verify the codes before shipping

- Check that each item has the intended code after import or manual editing.
- Check whether a matching SKU rule replaced a value from your integration.
- If an item field is blank, check its source field and integration mapping. A saved default is a label-time fallback, so a blank unprinted field does not prove the default was lost.
- Review the generated customs documents or courier shipment details where available. If the courier rejects a code, confirm the required classification and format with the courier or customs authority, then correct the item before trying again.