Customs code for goods (TN ZED) is a mandatory numeric code by which customs determines the type of goods and the tax rate for international shipments; it must be specified for each parcel created through Western Bid.
Tariff codes for international shipments
The customs code for a product, or the TNVED code, is a numeric code by which customs determines the type of product, its category, and the possible rate of customs duties for international shipment.
When processing an international shipment through Western Bid, you need to indicate this code in the Personal Account.
Note! If you purchased several different items in one transaction, you must specify the customs code for each individual item. That is, you should use the “External item” function and create separately each of your individual items needed for shipment, and when creating, select these items and for each specify the item code.
The code can be looked up using official customs classifications of the destination country. For the USA HTS / HTSUS is used, for EU countries — TARIC, for Ukraine — UKTZED. When searching, consider the product name, material, purpose, and product category.
When and how to specify the customs code of the product
| Situation | What needs to be done |
|---|---|
| One type of product in the shipment | When creating the shipment, specify a single customs code that corresponds to this product. |
| Several identical items | Use a single code for the entire batch if all units are the same product. |
| Several different items in one transaction | Create each item as a separate ‘External item’, add all items to the shipment, and specify a customs code for each. |
| You do not know the customs code | If you do not know the customs code, choose the code using the official customs classifications of the destination country, based on the name, material, purpose, and category of the product. |
Products similar to toys
Since July 2021, there are special rules for selling toys in the European Union. These rules apply specifically to shipments of toys to EU countries and do not apply to the sale of such goods to other countries.
If your product resembles a toy but is not a children’s toy, we recommend ticking the special checkbox during shipment preparation to indicate that the item is not a toy.
In this case, the product description will include the phrase: “This is not a toy.”
In the product description we recommend indicating that it is a decorative item, a souvenir, a collectible item, or another non-toy item. The description should be specific and clear for customs.
For example:
- decorative figurine;
- handmade souvenir;
- home decor item;
- collectible doll, not intended for children.
If your product clearly does not resemble a toy, for example a painting, a mug, a dog collar, or a piece of jewelry, you do not need to check the box.
If you sell children’s toys to the EU
If you are selling children’s toys to EU countries, you must meet all EU requirements for toy sales and include all necessary documents with the shipment.
If you do not have the required documents for selling toys in the EU, we recommend excluding EU countries from the delivery of such goods and selling them in countries where such documents are not required, for example in the USA or Canada.
Frequently asked questions about product codes for international shipping
What is a product's customs code in simple terms?
The product’s customs code, or HS code, is a numeric code by which customs determines exactly what is in the shipment and which customs duties may apply upon import.
Is it necessary to indicate the customs code if the parcel contains several different items?
Yes. If the shipment contains several different items, the customs code must be specified separately for each type of item.
To do this, create each item as a separate “External Item” and add the corresponding code to each line item.
Where can I find the correct customs code for my product?
You can find the customs code using the UKTZED service via the link in the article. When searching for the code, consider:
- what kind of product it is;
- what material it is made from;
- what it is used for;
- to which product category it belongs.
Is it possible to specify a single code for all products?
One code can be used only when all items in the shipment are identical or belong to the same product category.
If the goods are different, for example jewelry, a cup, and a wooden jewelry box, a separate customs code must be specified for each item.
When should you tick the 'the product is not a toy' checkbox?
A checkmark should be placed if the product may look like a toy, but is not actually intended for children.
For example, it could be a decorative figurine, a souvenir, a collectible doll, or a home decor item.
If the product obviously does not resemble a toy, you do not need to tick the box.
What should I do if there are no documents for selling toys in the EU?
If you sell children’s toys specifically and do not have the necessary documents to sell in the EU, we recommend not shipping such goods to EU countries.
In this case, it is better to exclude EU countries from the available shipping destinations for these goods.