A customs tariff number or HS-Code (= Harmonized System Code), is an internationally standardized number. It is used to classify goods and facilitate their customs clearance. The digits of a customs tariff number identify products and their import and export duties.
An example of using a customs tariff number would be the import of clothing. Different types of garments have different HS Codes. For instance, a cotton sweater has a different customs tariff number than denim jeans. When importing these goods, you would need to provide the corresponding customs tariff numbers so that customs can classify the goods accurately and apply the appropriate customs duties. Correct usage of these numbers is crucial to ensure smooth customs clearance and to avoid potential issues and costs for your customers at customs.
In the customs tariff number module, you can enter all relevant customs tariff numbers along with detailed descriptions and internal notes. This enables you to quickly find the appropriate customs tariff number through a search when setting up new items or adjusting existing ones, and then assign it to the item.
You can access the module via Administration > Settings > Warehouse & Logistics > Customs tariff number or through the smart search by searching for customs tariff number.
Tip
A customs tariff number typically consists of eight digits. In some cases, however, it may have fewer or more digits, depending on the specific requirements of the customs tariff of the respective country and the type of goods that need to be classified. It is important to ensure that the complete customs tariff number accurately indicates the classification of the goods to avoid potential issues or delays in the customs process.
For a six-digit customs tariff number, you can append two zeros at the end to extend it to eight digits. These additional zeros are added to complete the number according to the common eight-digit standards.
Examples of six-digit customs tariff numbers from the "Home & Garden" category:
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940360: This customs tariff number can be used for wooden chairs with upholstered seats intended for use in residential areas.
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392690: This customs tariff number could be used for plastic flower pots or planters suitable for use in the garden or on the terrace.
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732181: This customs tariff number could be used for stainless steel grills or grill grates intended for outdoor use in gardens or on terraces.
In the article master data of Xentral, you can (and should) enter both the customs tariff number and the country of origin or region of origin. These fields are essential for correctly handling international trade processes such as exports, customs declarations, and statistical reporting.
General Purpose of the Data:
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Customs Tariff Number (HS Code / Commodity Code): Classifies the goods based on their nature according to the Harmonized System (e.g., 6403.59.90). Used for: Customs processing and tariff classification, export documents (e.g., commercial invoices, export declarations), Intrastat/Extrastat reports, statistical evaluations.
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Country / Region of Origin: Indicates the country in which the goods legally originate (not the storage or shipping location). Used for: Preferential treatment under trade agreements (e.g., EU–Canada), determination of applicable customs duties, creation of origin declarations (e.g., supplier’s declaration, EUR.1), tax treatment for imports.
The country of origin and customs tariff number are essential components of the article master data in many companies. These values ensure that the correct information is available when needed — for customs authorities, trade partners, or logistics-related processes. Only if both values are maintained can the system determine the correct customs duty, whether a trade agreement is applicable, or if an origin certificate is required.
Especially in international trade or intra-EU deliveries, maintaining this data helps avoid delays or follow-up questions later in the process.
Warning
Make sure both fields are properly maintained in the article master — especially for articles relevant to export or international movements. Missing or incorrect information can lead to customs issues, export queries, or reporting errors.
These fields can be added or updated when creating a new article or editing an existing one in the article master:
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Customs Tariff Number: Classifies the article for customs purposes to determine applicable duties and import regulations.
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Country of Origin (ISO Code): Indicates the legal country of origin of the article (e.g., DE, CN).
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Region of Origin: Optional field for specifying broader geographic or trade regions (e.g., EU, Asia).
Steps:
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Click on +NEW.
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Enter the 8-digits number, the designation and optionally an internal note.
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Click on safe to create the customs tarif number. You can create the next customs tariff number by clicking on +NEW.
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Alternatively: Click on the back arrow to return to the overview and view all customs tariff numbers. You can also create a new customs tariff number from here by clicking on +NEW.
Select the appropriate customs tariff number for each product by choosing from the list of previously defined numbers.
Steps:
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Go into the edit mode in a product.
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Select the customs tariff number using either numerical or text input.
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Click on safe.
The customs tariff numbers are automatically included on the invoice below the product name when the taxation type of the document is set to 'Export'.
You can also have the customs tariff number printed on your documents by default, regardless of the delivery country and taxation. You can find this setting in the :
In the document settings, there is an option to determine when the customs tariff number should be displayed on the document, if available. You can check the box labeled "Products with customs tariff number" in the relevant section.
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If the checkbox is checked: The customs tariff number will always be displayed in the document positions, regardless of how the products are taxed.
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If the checkbox is not checked: The customs tariff number and the country of origin will only be displayed on invoices intended for export and if a customs tariff number is available.
The DHL interface in Xentral allows for automatic printing of parcel labels CP-71 and customs declarations CN-23 for shipments outside the EU. These are automatically printed on parcel labels when they are export shipments. The customs tariff numbers of the items in the package are also provided on these parcel labels.
Note
In Xentral, only one customs tariff number is assigned per product in the customs declaration, even if it involves bill of materials or just-in-time bill of materials (set items). This is the standard procedure for products with bill of materials. Multiple customs tariff numbers are only passed to the customs declaration for separate standalone products.
If you have set products that must necessarily have two customs tariff numbers, you could consider breaking down the documents elsewhere, such as by transferring the purchase orders to your fulfillment service provider, who breaks down the set items into a pro forma invoice. This way, multiple different customs tariff numbers can be used for sub-products of a bill of materials. Please note that in this case, it may also be necessary to transfer sales prices of the sub-products.