Why should same-HS products only be charged €3 once?

Per EU 2026/382, €3 is charged per declaration line: same HS code + product description merge into one line and are charged once — quantity does not double it.

How is DutyRight different from Shopify native features?

Platform billing is per product line, so the same HS code can be billed twice. DutyRight calculates per EU regulation and compares line-by-line, showing the difference and the basis for each charge.

What changes for EU parcels on November 1, 2026?

The flat import duty on low-value parcels becomes €3 plus a €2 Union Handling Fee — €5 per declaration line. IOSS covers VAT only, and the €150 low-value zone is not duty-free.

What is an EU commodity code? How to find the correct tariff code for your Shopify products

2026-10-317 min read

If you sell goods to the European Union, every product you ship needs a valid commodity code — also called an HS code or tariff code. This 6–10 digit classification is the foundation of EU customs clearance, duty calculation and compliance. Get it wrong and you face overpaid duty, customs holds, rejected declarations and fines.

What is an EU commodity code?

A commodity code is the harmonised classification customs authorities use to identify your product globally. The first six digits are standard worldwide; extended national digits add EU-specific duty rates and rules. It is not a product SKU — the same code can apply to many products with identical material and function.

Why accurate tariff codes matter now

Since 1 July 2026, every low-value parcel to the EU carries a €3-per-line duty, rising to €5 from November 1 (€3 duty + €2 Union Handling Fee, Reg (EU) 2026/382). Products sharing the same 6-digit HS code + description + origin merge into one declaration line — so correct coding directly controls how many lines you pay for. With mandatory product identifiers arriving the same day, accurate classification is more critical than ever.

Common commodity code mistakes

Classifying by brand or marketing name instead of material and function
Reusing one code for an entire product collection with different materials
Using outdated tariff codes that have been withdrawn or amended
Ignoring supplementary requirements such as product identifiers and origin rules

How to find the correct code

Before filing any EU-bound declaration, verify each SKU individually. A free HS code lookup returns the EU HS6 classification from a plain product description — type what you ship and get the category and match confidence in seconds. Use a tariff code checker to confirm the code aligns with current duty rules, and run the EU commodity code search before submitting your declaration.

FAQ for Shopify merchants

Who needs an EU commodity code?

All merchants importing into the EU, including IOSS low-value shipments under €150.

Can I use one commodity code for all variants?

Only if material, construction and core function are identical. Variants with different materials usually need separate tariff codes.

Does the €2 handling fee change how I classify?

No — classification rules are unchanged. But incorrect codes amplify risk in the new automated PID + fee checking workflow.

Key takeaways

Commodity code = HS / tariff code, controls import duty and clearance
Misclassification triggers customs delays, extra fees and failed filings
Validate codes before Nov 1 to align with the new EU small-parcel rules
Use a dedicated tariff code lookup tool to cut manual errors