Ebay Now Requires 6-digit HTS numbers for international shipping. Most codes are 4-10 please help

[hhsilver555]

Within the last week or so, I've been having trouble completing my international shipments. I prefer to direct ship internationally instead of using ebay's international hub. It's pretty simple... all you have to do is fill out the customs form, and as long as you know how to look up the correct codes under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and make sure to sign your printed pages, it couldn't be easier.

However, in the last week, whenever I go to ship international, the prompt has changed, and it now says: "please enter your 6-digit HS Tariff Number". It has never said this before. Tariff numbers are as short as 4 digits, and as long as 10 or more, and many contain decimals which this prompt will not allow.

In short, ebay seems to have intentionally broken the ability to ship internationally on their site without using their International Hub. This seems to be an intentional attempt to disable other means of international shipping without doing so overtly. Is there a number I can call to speak with someone at ebay to request that they fix this?

[martin2001]

One solution would be to enter the required 6 digit HS number. If the complete number is 10 digits, enter the first six. Don't use the decimal points (even when filling out the customs form, there should be no decimal points). If the HS is only 4 digits long (which I don' t think any country uses, 6 is usually the minimum), add 00 to make it 6 digits.

Another solution, if ebay requirements means a hassle to you, would be to utilize alternatives (e.g. stamps or even better, less expensive pirateship).

PS. You don't mean that you actually "hand-sign" the customs form? When you print the label/customs form via approved providers, they are considered signed if the signature box contains your (printed) name and date. No additional "hand-signature"  is needed.

[smallmilitarymodelsandmore]

This one is frustrating me personally as well. eBay seems to be trying to force us to use eBay international shipping ...which I will never use again. When trying to ship via USPS the "help" function which is titled above the evil red box says "HS tariff code" which is an international code and should be 6 digits. Indeed eBay will not allow you to proceed with the label unless you enter a 6 digit code with no decimals. Instead eBay sends you to a lookup for the US HTS code which is 10 digits. From what I have read further I assume that simply using the first 6 digits of the US code will work in most cases - but all I can guarantee at this point is that eBay allowed me to print a label to a customer in Spain. Stay tuned ...

[richard1rst]

I don't know where you are seeing 4 to 10 digits. This is the basic information site:

https://www.wcotradetools.org/en/harmonized-system\

ALL of the numbers are 6 digits - 4 digits followed by a decimal and then 2 more numbers.

[stde_6582]

Some countries add up to 4 digits to the code to further subdivide categories. For example, in my country 9504.50 (electronic games) comes in two flavors: 9504501000 (capable of RF transmissions) and 9504509000 (not capable of RF transmission). Duty is the same for both subcategories, but an import license is required for the first case while no license is needed for the second. Shippers don't normally need to worry about the extra 4 digits, though.

[rememberwhenshop]

Update? Do you know if package got to customer?  The HTS code for my item is 8 digits. I'm going to the post office tomorrow to see if they can explain the correct way to list.

[londonlass2]

Cannot see anything for a wooden doll category.

[junkdrawerstodiefor]

**bleep** - They started doing this to force us to use their crappy service. Google it to see how they do it.  Whistle blower videos.  Tried looking up a code for WWII military insignia! The site does not have any suggestions to what you are searching for. Just like everything the government does; use old tech instead of AI. AI could tell me an answer in seconds but no AI box on the site.  Wasting my time, I relent and will cancel all overseas sales and tell them to have a friend in America buy the items and they can worry about how to get it to them. I am done with overseas sales. eBay........................your tricky actions just cost you money, I am done.

[jade-run]

I seem to be lost here.. I tried to get tariff code, but they want information I don’t have. Geez, just want to ship a poster to Norway.

[wastingtime101]

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@jade-run wrote:

I seem to be lost here.. I tried to get tariff code, but they want information I don’t have. Geez, just want to ship a poster to Norway.

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I suggest reviewing the responses you got on your discussion here @jade-run :

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping/Hs-tariff-code-what-is-it-Never-saw-it-before/m-p/34212631#M4... 

If you're running into problems, post to that discussion on where you're getting stuck.

[a_sharper_image]

All the customs forms I've printed on eBay (hundreds) require a signature and date.

[a_sharper_image]

Yes, I've had problems with this also, and finding the correct code.

Short answer, create your label on Pirateship. I chatted with an very knowledgeable online representative within minutes that helped me get the right code in the right format. Also saved $26 shipping a 4 lb, 36"x10"x2" package to Germany using UPS Worldwide Expedited service.

My experience with eBay international shipping has been very disappointing btw. My last package was returned before it left the States with no explanation, just for instance. And there is no customer service.

[a_sharper_image]

Most categories are hard to find in my experience. I ship collectables from cold cast resin statues to swords.

[a_sharper_image]

Or try Pirateship! I got knowledgeable online help in minutes and saved $26 using UPS Expedited Worldwide. Good Luck.

[a_sharper_image]

Have you tried that? The categories are very general, and confusing to me. The search function not particularly useful.