September 4, 2025
HS Code vs HTS vs TARIC: What's the Difference for Shopify Stores?
A practical guide to global vs. country‑specific tariff codes—and when each one matters.
TL;DR
- HS Code (6 digits) is the global foundation used by most countries—it gets you into the right product family
- National extensions (8–10+ digits)—like HTS (US) and TARIC (EU)—add country‑specific detail, measures, and rates
- For catalog management and early operations, HS‑6 provides sufficient standardization across your product range
- For actual shipping, use the destination market's specific extension codes and requirements
This guide is for e-commerce operators who need practical shipping solutions—no legal complexity, just the essential details for successful international operations. Based on HS 2022 edition (current as of 2025).
Quick Definitions (Plain English)
The 6‑digit "universal" product classification maintained by the World Customs Organization. Think of it as the chapter and heading that identifies what a product fundamentally is (e.g., cotton t‑shirt vs. headphones vs. ceramic mug).
The United States version that extends HS codes to 8-10 digits. Used for US import declarations, duty rate determination, and regulatory compliance.
The EU's integrated system that applies EU‑wide measures on top of HS codes. Includes extended digits plus additional codes for specific trade measures.
Similar patterns worldwide: UK Global Tariff, Canada's 10‑digit classification, etc. Different names, same concept: HS‑6 foundation plus country‑specific extensions.
Why Countries Add "More Digits"
Countries need additional classification detail to implement:
- Specific duty rates for product subcategories
- Origin rules for free trade agreements
- Import quotas and licensing requirements
- Safety regulations and compliance standards
- Trade defense measures (anti-dumping, safeguards)
- Statistical tracking for economic analysis
The additional digits allow customs authorities to specify: "This exact product type pays X% duty and requires document Y for entry."
Rule of Thumb
- Catalog management & internal analytics → HS‑6 provides perfect standardization
- Cross‑border shipping to specific destinations → Use that country's extended classification system
When HS‑6 is Sufficient vs. When Extensions Are Required
HS‑6 Works Well For:
Internal Operations
- ✅ Unifying product data across channels, suppliers, and ERP systems
- ✅ Early readiness assessment: "Are we classification‑ready for international expansion?"
- ✅ Coarse landed cost estimation for initial market research
- ✅ Supplier communication and product development standardization
- ✅ Cross-platform consistency between marketplaces and direct sales
You Need National Extensions When:
Shipping & Compliance Requirements
- 🚢 Booking actual shipments or filing import entry documents
- 📊 Precise duty calculation where rates depend on attributes beyond HS‑6 level
- 📋 Regulatory compliance for specific product attributes (fiber blend percentages, power ratings, safety standards)
- 🛡️ Special trade measures apply (EU anti-dumping duties, US Section 301 tariffs, etc.)
- 💰 Preferential trade programs require detailed origin documentation
The Classification Ladder: A Step-by-Step Approach
Product Identification: Document function, materials, power source, and whether it's a part, accessory, or complete item
HS‑6 Assignment: Establish the global classification foundation using standardized criteria
Market Selection: Identify the specific destination countries where you actively ship products
Extension Application: Add country-specific codes only when required for actual shipping documentation
Data Storage: Maintain HS‑6 for catalog consistency; store market-specific codes for operational use
This systematic approach keeps your product data manageable—you don't need every country's classification for every SKU, only for markets where you actually conduct business.
Practical Classification Examples
These examples demonstrate the classification progression without implying specific legal rates or measures.
Apparel: Cotton Knit T‑Shirt
Product Analysis: 100% cotton, knitted construction, short sleeves, crew neck
HS‑6 Classification: 6109.10 (T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted, of cotton)
US Shipping (HTS): Additional digits specify garment details for precise duty calculation
EU Shipping (TARIC): EU-specific measures and potential textile regulations apply
Electronics: Over‑Ear Wired Headphones
Product Analysis: Audio equipment, wired connection, over-ear design, no microphone
HS‑6 Classification: 8518.30 (Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone)
Destination Extensions: May differentiate between wired/wireless, professional/consumer grade, or specific technical features
Home Goods: Ceramic Coffee Mug
Product Analysis: Ceramic construction, tableware function, standard household use
HS‑6 Classification: Within Chapter 69 (Ceramic products) under tableware and kitchenware
Market Variations: Some countries distinguish between stoneware, porcelain, and earthenware at extended digit levels
Key Insight: Your classification inputs (material, function, power, construction) determine not just the HS‑6 code, but also whether extended codes will be required and which attributes matter most for different markets.
Essential Product Attributes to Capture
Core Classification Data
- Primary function/use: What does the product actually do?
- Material composition: Dominant materials or percentage breakdown
- Construction method: How is it made? (knit vs. woven, cast vs. machined)
- Power requirements: None, battery-powered, plug-in, or voltage specifications
Product Type Classification
- Completeness: Finished good, part, component, or accessory
- Set identification: Individual item, kit, or multi-component set
- Essential character: For sets, which component determines classification
- Target use: Professional, consumer, industrial, or specialized application
Capturing these attributes once enables smooth progression from HS‑6 to any required national extension without additional product research.
Common Market-Specific Considerations
United States (HTS System)
- Structure: 8-10 digit codes with statistical suffixes
- Special Programs: GSP, USMCA, and various free trade agreement preferences
- Section 301 Tariffs: Additional duties on specific countries and products
- Buy American Act: Government procurement restrictions for certain classifications
European Union (TARIC System)
- Structure: 8-digit Combined Nomenclature plus additional TARIC codes
- REACH Regulation: Chemical registration requirements affecting classification
- CE Marking: Conformity requirements linked to specific product codes
- Anti-dumping Measures: Product and country-specific additional duties
United Kingdom (UK Global Tariff)
- Structure: 10-digit commodity codes post-Brexit
- UKCA Marking: UK conformity assessment requirements
- Northern Ireland Protocol: Special considerations for goods moving through NI
- Preferential Schemes: UK-specific trade preferences and developing country programs
Managing Multi-Market Classification Data
Data Architecture Best Practices
Recommended Data Structure
Product:
- HS_6_Code: "6109.10"
- HS_6_Description: "T-shirts, cotton, knitted"
- Markets:
- US:
- HTS_Code: "6109.10.00.40"
- Duty_Rate: "Variable"
- Special_Programs: ["USMCA"]
- EU:
- CN_Code: "61091000"
- TARIC_Additional: "0000"
- Requirements: ["REACH_compliance"]
Operational Workflow
Daily Operations Process
- Product Setup: Establish HS‑6 classification for all new products
- Market Assessment: Identify destination markets requiring extended codes
- Extension Research: Add country-specific classifications as needed
- Documentation: Link classifications to shipping and compliance requirements
- Monitoring: Track changes in tariff schedules and trade measures
Automation and Tool Selection
What Modern Classification Tools Should Provide
Essential Automation Features
- ✅ HS‑6 Foundation: High-confidence suggestions with clear rationale
- ✅ Market Flagging: Identify when extended codes are likely required
- ✅ Attribute Prompting: Request missing data when classification depends on it
- ✅ Non-Destructive Updates: Preserve existing data while adding new classifications
- ✅ Audit Capabilities: Track all changes with rollback functionality
- ✅ Market-Specific Extensions: Add destination codes without disrupting base classification
Implementation Strategy
Focus on accurate HS‑6 classification across your entire catalog before adding complexity
Add extended codes only for your top destination countries with significant volume
Link classifications to actual shipping requirements and documentation systems
FAQ (Operator Edition)
Do I need extended codes for every country we might ship to?
No. Maintain HS‑6 globally for consistency and catalog management. Add market-specific codes only for destinations where you regularly ship or where specific requirements apply.
Can we estimate duties using HS‑6 codes alone?
You can get rough estimates for market research, but precise duty calculation typically requires the destination country's extended classification system and current tariff rates.
What should we do when suppliers provide their own codes?
Treat supplier codes as helpful starting points, but always verify against your own product attributes and the requirements of your destination markets. Supplier codes may be optimized for their export needs, not your import requirements.
Will classification automation replace our customs broker?
No. Automation standardizes routine classification work and reduces manual errors, but customs brokers remain valuable for complex rulings, unusual products, and regulatory expertise.
How often do these classification systems change?
HS codes undergo major updates every 5-6 years (most recently HS 2022). National extensions may change more frequently based on trade policy, but most changes are incremental additions rather than major restructuring.
Should we classify products differently for different sales channels?
No. Use consistent HS‑6 classification across all channels for product integrity. Add market-specific extensions only when required for actual shipping and compliance, not for different sales platforms.
Key Takeaways for Implementation
Action Items
- Start with HS‑6: Establish accurate 6-digit global classifications before adding complexity
- Focus on volume markets: Prioritize extended codes for your highest-volume destination countries
- Capture attributes systematically: Document the product characteristics that drive classification decisions
- Maintain data relationships: Link HS‑6 codes to market-specific extensions without duplicating effort
- Monitor regulatory changes: Stay informed about tariff updates and trade measure modifications
- Verify with official sources: Always cross-check classifications with destination country databases
Ready to Standardize Your Product Classification?
Get HS‑6 classification right first, then add market-specific extensions only where needed. Start with a free analysis of your product catalog to identify classification opportunities and requirements.
For verification of classification codes mentioned in this article, consult the World Customs Organization HS Database, USITC HTS Database (US), or TARIC Database (EU).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, customs, or trade advice. Classification requirements and procedures vary by country and change over time. Always consult with qualified customs professionals and official government sources for specific classification questions and regulatory compliance.