An HS Code, short for Harmonised Commodity Description Coding System, is a universally-recognised indicator used by customs to identify and classify the goods being shipped. The HS Code is developed and maintained by the World Customs Organisation and consists of more than 5,000 commodity groups. Over 200 countries in the world consider them legal, so the HS is more or less the global standard.

An HS Code has at least six digits. Not using an HS Code can result in penalties and delayed deliveries.