Tariff code. Do I put one in or not?

Summary: verymerryvintage01 is confused about whether they need to include a tariff code for vintage and antique items shipped internationally from Canada using eBay labels. marnotom! suggests using tariff codes for smoother customs processing and shares a method to find the appropriate HS code, emphasizing the significance of including the item's country of origin. brettjet38 and flipistics explain the importance of the HS code for customs declarations, duties, and taxes, and suggest ways to find these codes, including using online tools and AI resources. stringers_books_and_collectibles notes that while Chit Chats requires an HS code, Canada Post does not currently require it for US-bound shipments. femmefan1946 and a participant discuss managing HS codes using a record book and suggest improvements in item descriptions for better eBay listings. verymerryvintage01 appreciates the advice and plans to integrate it.

So, I sell vintage and antique items from Canada. Mostly breakables. The eBay labels provide a spot for the tariff code but do I need to put one in? I have tried to find them and only found a code for 100 years or older. When I do a search I just go down a rabbit hole and get no where. What about the de minimis threshhold? Do I only need to worry about the codes if it's over a certain amount or something. I am so confused and I have a perpetual headache. I can't find any information to help me from eBay either so I feel very abandon right now. Any assistence would be greatly appreciated.

verymerryvintage01

120 View listings

Posted 1 year ago·Last reply 1 year ago

7 comments

femmefan1946

·1 year ago

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I keep a list in the back of my record book of the codes that I use most often.

It takes seconds to find them that way.

And when I have a new one I add that to my list- I have four in constant use and seven others that have been used in the past two years. YMMV

Glassware is 7013.9900

Again YMMV- but you have 82 keystrokes for titles. But phone shoppers see the first four only according to popular thinking.
Since Search will find "vintage" anyway, you might want to move it further down the list of words,

for example
Pottery Bird Shela White Art Vintage BC Canada student of Thomas Kakinuma

And most of the words in your Description don't describe the item. And since most are covered by eBay's policies they are pointless and slightly negative. Nothing ever goes wrong with our transactions, eh? Rather than "if there is damage" how about "carefully packed, padded and double boxed."?

lotzofuniquegoodies

·1 year ago

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@femmefan1946 wrote:
I keep a list in the back of my record book of the codes that I use most often.
It takes seconds to find them that way.
And when I have a new one I add that to my list- I have four in constant use and seven others that have been used in the past two years. YMMV

Glassware is 7013.9900

Again YMMV- but you have 82 keystrokes for titles. But phone shoppers see the first four only according to popular thinking.
Since Search will find "vintage" anyway, you might want to move it further down the list of words,
for example
Pottery Bird Shela White Art Vintage BC Canada student of Thomas Kakinuma

And most of the words in your Description don't describe the item. And since most are covered by eBay's policies they are pointless and slightly negative. Nothing ever goes wrong with our transactions, eh? Rather than "if there is damage" how about "carefully packed, padded and double boxed."?

@verymerryvintage01

@femmefan1946

Quick add on re format of HS code. Should be a period between any extra sets of 2 digits.

####.##

####.##.##

####.##.##.##

eBay labels from my testing is accepting those above formats....so far.

According to the ? near the hs code entry field the disclaimer states 6. but no visual of format.

Please enter the 6-digit HS (Harmonized System) Tariff Number, which is based on the Harmonized Commodity description and coding system developed by the World Customs Organization.

@stringers_books_and_collectibles

If you don't include an HS code, that would mean customs would need to open and inspect to confirm to assign duty when applicable. Couriers have required HS codes as a mandatory field field for years. With Shippo and Net Parcel it was a requirement. I've personally never used Chit Chats etc so unsure of their format. CP at the counter just asks for a description and skips HS code. eBay labels as far as I know, from the get go, if you left hs code blank it would block final generation of labels. (I've been filling in HS codes forever.) It's do what you can to make the process as simple as possible for customs and to prevent potential possibility of delays.

stringers_books_and_collectibles

·1 year ago

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Hello, I use both Canada Post and Chit Chats to ship items. If you are shipping to the US via Canada Post at this time you do not need to add HS Code. Canada Post delivers your package to US Customs and they take over processing. Now, this could change in the future but now, for Canada Post shipments you don't need to add the HS Code (there is actually no place for it on their online customs form).

If you are shipping via Chit Chats then you do have to add the HS Code. Chit Chats won't process packages without the code. They take the parcel through customs to their US office, so they have to provide the info on each item to customs.

As an aside, what I've been doing to my ebay listings is adding place of manufacture, if this tariff **bleep** goes further you can bet that ebay will be assigned by the US government to collect the tarriffs. I think they do (or did) on Canadian orders from the US, something called the BUYER express program or whatever. If this happens they won't charge tariffs on US made, in my case, books or advertising.

Norm

verymerryvintage01

OP1 year ago

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Thanks for that info. I only use Canada Post due to my location. I think that is what was confusing me because none of my parcels are having issues getting to their destination. I will take everyones advice and apply it as well though. Best to get use to the whole system soomer than later.

flipistics

·1 year ago

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You should absolutely include the HS code. It's best to include the full 10-digit code if possible.

I've found the easiest way to look it up is to go to ChatGPT and type in something like "what is the hts code for a {material} {item} made in {country} shipping from {country} to {country}". Take the suggestions you get and look those up in one of the databases to confirm they're correct for your item.

brettjet38

·1 year ago

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@verymerryvintage01 Tariff code. Do I put one in or not?

@verymerryvintage01 I am so confused and I have a perpetual headache.

Really?

A 3 sec request!

AI Overview

Learn more

Yes, you need to include a tariff code (also known as a Harmonized System or HS code) for international shipments, as it's a mandatory requirement for customs declarations and helps determine applicable duties and taxes.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

What it is:
The HS code is a six-digit code used to classify products for international trade, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Why it's needed:
Customs Declarations: It's required for all shipments crossing international borders.

Duty and Tax Calculation: The HS code helps determine the correct tariff rates and applicable duties and taxes.

Trade Regulations: It's essential for complying with trade regulations and avoiding penalties, delays, or seizures.
Where to find it:
You can find the HS code for your product by searching online resources like the Canada Tariff Finder or Shopify Help Center.
Structure:
The first six digits of the HS code are internationally recognized, while countries can add additional digits for more specific classification.
Example:
The HS code for "candles" might be "3406.00".
Importance:
Ensuring the correct HS code is crucial to avoid delays, penalties, or even seizure of your goods.

marnotom!

·1 year ago

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I don’t sell anymore but if I did, I would be trying my darndest to use tariff codes to help ensure my customers’ items get through customs with as little fuss or muss as possible.

The term “vintage” is subjective and doesn’t carry legal oomph the way the term “antique” does. Your vintage items would be classified the same way as a newer item of similar materials, etc. would be.

As an example, your deer vase would be a ceramic household item and the HS code I’d use if it were shipping to the US would be 6911.90.00 based on the information I entered here:

https://www.tariffinder.ca/en/getStarted

Be sure you also note the item’s country of origin as that’s often the big factor in determining what tariffs, if any, apply to the item.