Five Common HS Declaration Errors and Compliance Reporting Guidelines

Published: 07/28/2025
HS declaration customs errors international trade
This article analyzes five common instances of HS declaration irregularities, detailing specific manifestations of the issues and their resulting consequences. By correctly understanding and filling out the declaration elements, unnecessary order returns can be avoided, thereby enhancing clearance efficiency. The article emphasizes the importance of completeness and accuracy of information in international trade.
Five Common HS Declaration Errors and Compliance Reporting Guidelines

In international trade, proper Harmonized System (HS) code declaration is crucial for customs clearance. Accurate classification not only improves efficiency but also prevents unnecessary delays and financial losses. This article examines five frequent HS code declaration errors to help professionals improve their customs documentation.

1. Incomplete Product Description

HS Code: 9401.30.0000
Product: Adjustable rotating seating
Issue: The declaration only partially answered the "adjustable/rotating" criteria, resulting in incomplete documentation and rejection. Customs requires complete responses to all specified product attributes.

2. Vague Functional Description

HS Code: 8463.30.0000
Product: Machinery for processing metal or cermet wires
Issue: The "purpose/function" field simply stated "see product manual" - an unacceptable practice. Customs officials need clear, self-contained descriptions in the declaration itself.

3. Confused Technical Specifications

HS Code: 8537.10.9090
Product: Other electrical control/distribution devices
Issue: The declaration failed to properly distinguish between "purpose" and "operating principle," creating confusion. Clear differentiation between product functions and working mechanisms is essential.

4. Non-Standard Brand Information

HS Code: 6214.30.0000
Product: Synthetic fiber shawls, scarves and similar items
Issue: The brand field listed three Japanese brand names without translation. All declarations must use the official language of the importing country or internationally recognized English terminology.

5. Missing Measurement Units

HS Code: 4823.90.9000
Product: Other paper and paper products
Issue: The "specifications" section omitted required measurement units. Complete quantitative data including proper units of measurement is mandatory for customs valuation.

Proper HS code declaration requires complete, accurate and clearly presented information. By avoiding these common mistakes, businesses can significantly reduce customs rejections and improve their international shipping efficiency. Always verify that all required fields contain specific, unambiguous information before submission.

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