Assigning the correct HS code ensures your goods are classified properly under the Canadian Customs Tariff. This helps you avoid duty miscalculations, penalties and interest, and unexpected delays at the border.
Every product that crosses the Canadian border must be correctly classified under the Customs Tariff and assigned an HS code.
This code tells the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) exactly what your product is, based on a global system used by customs authorities in over 200 countries.
It determines the amount of duty you’ll pay, the applicable rules, and whether additional requirements apply.
Getting the HS code right is crucial if you want to avoid delays, penalties, and costly corrections.
This article explains what an HS code is, why it matters, how to find the correct HS code for your imports, and what happens if you misclassify your products.
The Harmonized System (HS) is an international product classification method developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The HS system consists of:
Like most countries, the Canadian Customs Tariff is based on this system and is structured as follows:
Chapters 98 and 99 are reserved for country-specific purposes. In Canada:
Chapter 77 is reserved by the WCO and is not currently in use.
Your HS code is used to identify what your product is, how it’s treated under Canadian law, and what your obligations are as an importer. It affects:
Given how much depends on this code, getting it right takes more than a quick search on the Internet.
There are several online tools to help you find HS codes, including Canadian Customs Tariff, Canada Tariff Finder, and CARM's “Help me classify” module.
These tools are helpful for research or exploration, but they cannot replace expertise or judgment.
By attempting classification yourself using online tools, you risk choosing the wrong HS code.
That’s because the process involves a lot of technical details and depends on product design, composition, function, end use, and legal notes.
And, if a product fits more than one heading, includes mixed materials, or comes as a set, the rules become complex quickly.
Even the smallest assumption or an honest mistake can have severe consequences.
Misclassifying your product is a compliance risk. Depending on the circumstances, you may have to:
Customs brokers have extensive experience interpreting tariff schedules, analyzing product specifications, and working with the CBSA.
They can help you classify your goods with confidence. Additionally, a licensed customs broker can bring five advantages to your business:
A customs broker is capable of applying the General Rules of Interpretation and Canadian Rules to real product data, without guessing or speculating.
A broker documents codes and their rationale to ensure that the same product is classified consistently over time, across suppliers, and for different reasons.
A customs broker will flag when an advance ruling is advisable, and align your classification with valuation, origin, and tariff treatments to avoid conflicts during reporting or accounting.
A broker consistently tracks tariff updates, legal-note changes, and trade remedies, and will alert you when a code or duty rate changes.
If a correction or ruling is required, a customs broker can coordinate with the CBSA to resolve the issue.
At Cole International, we offer customs brokerage and trade consulting services to help Canadian importers classify their goods accurately and stay compliant with CBSA regulations.
Our experts work with importers every day to:
We don’t believe in guesswork. We get it right the first time.
If you’re unsure about how to find the correct HS code for your imports, please reach out to one of our trade professionals.