HS Tariff Code
Hi Folks, I made my first sell to USA and am confused by the requirement to list a HS Tariff Code. I am sending shoes that are made of fabric and have a rubber sole. The code I get is 6404.19 but in reading the subheadings I'm worried that "other" may not apply. Since this is my first rodeo, so to speak, I am kind of worried I am doing this incorrectly. Does anybody have the code for a normal pair of sneakers going to USA?
3 comments
intimewithmusic
·2 years agoSome tips on HS Codes:
If you ship across borders regularly I recommend you keep track of your orders. You can just use ledger paper. Columnize your SKU number, Item name, Destination IE USA/Fl and the HS code. If you do this next time you ship a similar item you have the code at your fingertips. Be sure to note the destination country. It's rare but sometimes different countries have different codes. (Harmonization isn't 100%. )
A paperless alternative is to save a copy of the mailing label. or you could take a photo of outgoing packages with the mail label in clear view. Save them in a way you can look up the HS code. IE file by your categories etc. This also gives you a permanent record of the customer's addy and phone if you need it after 90 days. The photo can also be used as verification that your outgoing parcel was properly packed.
Some folks think HS codes are just for duty purposes but they also "translate" to the border inspectors exactly what's in the box and the listing descriptions can be misleading. For example say the description is "Scotch Tape". Is that adhesive tape or is it Scotch reel to reel recording tape?
Suppose you ship a pair of kid's runners with the pop out roller skate wheels or steel toed runners. They have metal in them . If the HS code says "Shoes" and a border scan indicates metal is in the box it's possibly going to be delayed for inspection and/or ripped open.
If an item can be made out of different materials add the material to your description. IE "Metal ashtray" or "Glass ashtray" instead of "Ashtray". Then your description matches the xray scan and you might avoid a delay. A lot of plastic 3d printed guns are making their way across the border. It helps if your description clarifies your contents.
Codes longer than 6 digits are rarely necessary but use them if they further identify the contents. Visit a few courier sites. You will get better information than Canada Post. Most of them have tarriff code help. I always liked UPS for their tarriff code breakdowns.
All shippers have ways and means. You can do it "your way" or you can do it the way border customs wants you to do it. The idea is to get your package expedited asap and on it's way without having it sit on a check pile or having it ripped open so they can see why they are getting metal in a scan for shoes. It's not just about duty.
femmefan1946
·2 years agoSince the question is specific-- here is the general list.
While some might want to bookmark it, I just write the dozen most applicable ones in the back of my daybook.
https://www.tariffinder.ca/en/getStarted
marnotom!
·2 years agoLooking at what you’ve recently sold, I would probably use 6404.11, the code for sports footwear.
https://www.flexport.com/data/hs-code/640411-sports-footwear-tennis-shoes-basketball-shoes-gym-shoes-training-shoes-and-the-like/index.html
The fact is, though, the shoes you’ve sold won’t be subject to duty as they sold for less than US$800, so I doubt anyone at US Customs and Border Protection is going to look at the code that closely.