Shipping to the USA: Customs Rules and HTS Code Guidance

When shipping internationally, especially to the United States, customs clearance requirements can vary by carrier and product origin. Recent updates from FedEx and DHL now require more precise product data for smooth delivery.

To help ensure your shipments clear customs without delay or error, here’s what you need to know.

DHL Restriction for US Shipments (*)

DHL has temporarily stopped accepting B2C shipments to the US over USD 800, since 21st April 2025. If you are shipping consumer goods above this threshold, please consider using other shipping carriers.
(*DHL has announced the resumption of acceptance starting from 28th April, 2025.)

Why You Should Use a 10-Digit HTS Code

We strongly recommend using a 10-digit HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code for all shipments addressed to the United States. For example, even when shipping from Japan, your product’s country of origin (e.g., China, Hong Kong) may trigger additional requirements, especially with FedEx.

• The 10-digit HTS codes can be used across the carriers.
• The format helps reduce the risk of:
  • Delays at the US customs
  • Shipments being returned or rejected
  • Extra fees due to missing or incorrect information

To manage your HTS codes in the Ship&co App:

1. Go to Settings > Product Types
2. For each product:
   • Enter a valid 10-digit HTS code
   • Confirm the Country of Origin
   • Remove unused product types from the list
   • Avoid duplicate entries with similar names

Keeping this list clean helps you avoid customs issues and speeds up invoice generation. Please make sure that the correct product type is selected on Ship&co's order page each time you create international shipping labels. (For API customers, please make sure to include the correct code in the products.hs_codefield in your request each time.)

How to Find the Correct HTS Code

If you're unsure which HTS code to use for a product, here are a few suggestions:

• Search online for public HS code databases (e.g., USITC, WCO, customs tariff websites)
• Use AI tools such as Gemini or ChatGPT - you can share a screenshot of your product category list from Ship&co and ask for more accurate product naming and 10-digit HTS codes
• FedEx - What is a HTS Code? : https://www.fedex.com/en-jp/shipping/glossary/what-is-hts-code.html

HS Code Formatting in Ship&co

Starting from April 25th, 2025, Ship&co will automatically pad any HS code with fewer than 10 digits by adding trailing zeros (e.g., 950300→9503000000), for FedEx shipments to the US, where a 10-digit code is required.

This behavior applies to all Ship&co users.

Shopify-Specific Behavior

For Shopify sellers, note that Shopify only supports 6-digit HS codes on product pages. When a Shopify order is synced to Ship&co, the HS code is pulled as-is from the order data. To ensure compliance, Ship&co will automatically format these codes to 10 digits using the padding rule above for relevant shipments (FedEx shipments to the US).

More info: How HS codes sync from Shopify

Summary

• Use 10-digit HTS codes for shipments to the US always.
• FedEx and DHL have specific customs requirements - be prepared and check your carriers' updates.
• Ship&co will auto-format HS codes under 10 digits by adding trailing zeros for FedEx. For Shopify sellers, this ensures compatibility with FedEx US shipments even if your Shopify product pages use only 6-digit codes.