Back to blog
| 3 min read | By Tariffik Team

Understanding UK Commodity Codes: A Beginner's Guide

Learn what commodity codes are, why they matter for importing goods, and how to find the right code for your products.

commodity-codes importing beginners

If you've ever imported goods into the UK, you've likely encountered commodity codes. These seemingly random numbers are actually a crucial part of international trade, determining how much duty you pay and ensuring your goods clear customs smoothly.

What is a Commodity Code?

A commodity code (also called an HS code, tariff code, or customs code) is a standardized numerical code that identifies a specific type of product for customs purposes. In the UK, these codes are typically 10 digits long.

For example:
- 6403 99 96 90 - Leather shoes with outer soles of rubber or plastic
- 8471 30 00 00 - Portable digital automatic data processing machines (laptops)
- 6110 20 99 00 - Knitted cotton jumpers and pullovers

Why Do Commodity Codes Matter?

1. Customs Duty Calculation

The commodity code directly determines the duty rate applied to your imports. Using the wrong code could mean:
- Paying too much - wasting money on unnecessary duty
- Paying too little - risking penalties, interest, and potential seizure of goods

2. Trade Agreements

Many trade agreements offer reduced or zero duty rates for specific products. The correct commodity code ensures you benefit from these preferential rates.

3. Import Restrictions

Some products are subject to additional controls, licences, or restrictions. The commodity code helps customs identify if your goods require special documentation.

How Commodity Codes Are Structured

The international Harmonized System (HS) provides the foundation for commodity codes worldwide:

8471 30 00 00
│    │  │  │
│    │  │  └── National subdivision (UK-specific)
│    │  └───── EU/UK subdivision
│    └──────── HS subheading (6 digits - international)
└───────────── HS chapter and heading
  • First 6 digits - Internationally standardized (used worldwide)
  • Digits 7-8 - Regional classification (EU/UK specific)
  • Digits 9-10 - National statistical subdivisions

Common Challenges

1. Similar Products, Different Codes

A leather handbag and a leather wallet might seem similar, but they have different codes:
- Handbags: 4202 21 00 00
- Wallets: 4202 31 00 00

2. Material Matters

The same product made from different materials often has different codes. A cotton t-shirt is classified differently from a polyester t-shirt.

3. Intended Use

Some products are classified based on their intended use rather than their composition. This can be tricky when a product has multiple potential uses.

How Tariffik Helps

Finding the right commodity code can be time-consuming and confusing. That's why we built Tariffik - to make this process simple and accurate.

Just enter your product description or URL, and our AI-powered system will:

  1. Analyse your product details
  2. Search the official UK Trade Tariff database
  3. Suggest the most appropriate commodity code
  4. Provide confidence ratings and reasoning

No more guessing, no more hours of manual research.

Getting Started

Ready to find the right commodity codes for your imports? Here's how to get started:

  1. Sign up for a free Tariffik account
  2. Forward your order emails to your unique Tariffik email address
  3. Review suggestions and confirm the codes that work for you
  4. Export your data when it's time to complete your customs declarations