As your store expands into international sales, complying with global shipping and trade requirements becomes increasingly important. One of the key elements is activating the Harmonized System (HS Code) for products. This code helps shipping companies and customs authorities accurately classify products, speed up clearance through borders, and avoid delays or unexpected additional costs.
Reasons why shipping companies may reject international shipments
A shipment may be rejected by the shipping company for several reasons, including:
- A product without an HS Code.
- Product price is set to zero.
- Unclear product description.
For example, if the shipment contains clothing, the item must be clearly specified (e.g., shirt or jeans).
What is the HS Code?
The HS Code is a global classification code used to identify shipments. Shipping companies require it to facilitate the export process and ensure smooth customs clearance.
Steps to activate the HS Code field
- From the main menu, click Products, then select Product settings.
- From the product settings page, enable the option: “Show HS Code field in product data.”
Steps to add the HS Code to a product
- From the main menu, All products.
- After selecting the product, go to Advanced details, enable “Requires shipping”, and the HS Code field will appear.
Note: The HS Code consists of 6 digits, and you must ensure the correct code is entered for each product to avoid customs issues or shipment rejection.
Steps to import HS Codes
- From the main menu, click More, then select Import & Export.
- From the side menu, choose Import HS Codes.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get the HS Code for my product?
You can obtain HS Codes from several sources. In Saudi Arabia, the official source is the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) website.
Does the HS Code field appear for all products?
No, the HS Code field appears only for products that require shipping.
Which shipping companies in Salla shipping labels support international shipping?
DHL provides international shipping services for e-commerce stores at discounted rates with Salla shipping labels.
How can I know if my shipment meets the requirements?
A notification will appear if the shipment is international and does not meet the required conditions.
Will the HS Code appear on the invoice?
Yes, a dedicated column for the HS Code will appear on the invoice.
How can I send a product as a gift in an international shipment?
Since one of the main reasons for shipment rejection is a product priced at zero, you can send it as a gift by applying a 100% discount instead of setting the price to zero.