What is a tariff code, and how do you find yours?
The number customs uses to say what a product is, and the one that decides the duty. How the digits work, common examples, and four steps to find the right code for each product.
By the Othermile team
Short answer: a tariff code (also called an HS code) is the number customs uses to say what a product is. It decides the duty rate. The first six digits are the same in almost every country; Canada and the US each add four more of their own.
How the number is built
| Digits | Example for a cotton T shirt | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 61 | Chapter: knitted clothing |
| 4 | 6109 | Heading: T shirts, singlets and tank tops |
| 6 | 6109.10 | Subheading: of cotton |
| 10 | 6109.10.00.xx | Each country's own split for duty and statistics |
Because the first six digits are shared, a code that is right in Canada is usually right in the US to six digits. The last four can differ, and so can the duty rate.
A few common examples
- Cotton T shirt: 6109.10
- Cotton hoodie or sweatshirt: 6110.20
- Ceramic mug (not porcelain): 6912.00
- Paper poster: 4911.91
These are starting points. Material, how a product is made and what it is used for can all change the code.
How to find yours
- Describe the product the way customs does. What it is, what it is made of, and how it is made: "knitted cotton pullover with a hood" beats "hoodie".
- Look it up in the official schedule. In Canada, the Customs Tariff from the CBSA. In the US, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which the US government publishes with a search box.
- Read the notes. Each chapter has notes that say what belongs in it and what does not. They settle most doubts.
- Ask for a ruling when it matters. For a product you sell in volume, both the CBSA and US Customs give binding advance rulings. A licensed customs broker can help.
Why it matters for a small store
The wrong code can mean the wrong duty, a parcel held at the border, or a surprise bill for your customer. It also decides which tariffs apply: many new tariffs list exact codes.
Othermile suggests a code from each product's name and marks it as a suggestion until you confirm it, together with the country of origin. Once confirmed, every estimate on that product uses it, and you can send the codes back to Shopify or ShipStation for your customs forms. See how it works on Shopify.
Check your own numbers
- One parcel: the free border fee checker.
- Your store's last 90 days: the free border cost audit.
- Every order, before it ships: Othermile checks each one against your limits and holds the costly ones for your OK.
These are estimates from the official rules, not customs advice.
This guide explains public rules in plain language for general information. It is not customs, tax or legal advice; the exact tariff code, your paperwork and the carrier decide the final amount.
See what your own orders cost at the border.
Start freeOr try the free checker, or get an email when the rules change
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