FAQ
Shopify Harmonized System Codes FAQ
Clear answers about Shopify HS codes, cross-border tariffs, HTS 2026 updates, and automated customs compliance — written for merchants and operations teams.
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What is a Harmonized System code in Shopify?
A Harmonized System code in Shopify is the product tariff number used for duties and customs forms. The questions below cover CA/US/CN coverage, how to add codes, and how to audit your catalog.
What is a Harmonized System code in Shopify?
A Harmonized System (HS) code in Shopify is the tariff number stored on a product so Markets can calculate duties and pre-fill customs forms. Without accurate HS codes, cross-border shipments can be delayed, returned, or hit with unexpected duties for your customers.
What is an HS code and why do I need one?
An HS (Harmonized System) code is the number customs authorities worldwide use to identify what a product is — every international shipment needs one. Without it, shipments can be delayed, returned, or hit with unexpected duties. Shopify reads these codes to calculate duties at checkout and pre-fill customs forms.
What countries are supported?
Canadian HS codes (10-digit, CBSA format) and US HTS codes (10-digit, CBP format) are included on every plan, even Free. Chinese export codes (8-digit) are available when enabled in Settings. Both CA and US codes are generated together in a single click by default.
How do I get started?
Install the app, open it from your Shopify admin, and click "Get HS Code" next to any product. To classify your whole catalog at once, click "Classify All" in the top right — both CA and US codes are generated in one pass.
How to add HS code in Shopify?
Classify with Jstars Instant Lookup or Web Workspace, then sync the suggested Canadian CBSA / US HTS codes into your product customs fields (harmonizedSystemCode). You can also start from a free customs readiness audit to find which SKUs still need codes.
How to audit HS codes across a Shopify catalog?
Run the Free Shopify Customs Readiness Audit with your store URL to see missing codes, review flags, and export-ready counts. Connect Shopify or start a Free workspace to fix gaps in bulk and download a broker-ready CSV.
What changed for HTSUS 2026 and Shopify tariffs?
US HTS (HTSUS) lines and duty rates continue to update through 2026 — including Section 301 and other trade actions that can change landed cost overnight. Jstars refreshes tariff context for planning, but always verify filing rates on official USITC / CBSA schedules or with your broker before compliance decisions.
Can I choose which countries to classify for?
Yes — use the mode selector at the top of the dashboard to choose Canadian + US (default), Canadian only, US only, or CA+US+CN. All modes are available on every plan, and you can change the setting anytime in Settings.
Accuracy & Classification
How accurate are the classifications?
Canadian and US codes land in the right heading 85–92% of the time for typical e-commerce products, and Chapter 61 and 62 (clothing) is our strongest category. Every result includes a confidence score so you can see how sure the classifier is. For high-value or regulated products, we always suggest a quick check with a licensed broker.
What do the confidence scores mean?
Each code gets its own confidence score — 90%+ (green) is a strong match, 70–89% (amber) is worth a second look for high-value goods, and below 70% (red) means a broker check is a good idea. The table always shows the lowest score across all active countries, so you're seeing the most cautious signal, not the most optimistic.
What is GRI reasoning?
GRI stands for General Rules of Interpretation — the official WCO framework that governs how every product worldwide is classified. After each classification, the app shows exactly which rules were applied and why, so the reasoning is visible and auditable. That paper trail is useful if customs ever questions a code.
What are alternative classifications?
Every result includes up to 3 alternative codes, each with its own confidence score and a plain-English explanation of when it applies — for example, if your item is women's rather than men's, or woven rather than knitted. Click "Use this code" to switch to any alternative instantly.
What is material extraction?
Before classifying, the app automatically reads material details from your product title and description — things like "100% cotton", "genuine leather", or "stainless steel". Material is the single most important factor in HS classification for textiles and physical goods, so catching it upfront makes a real difference in accuracy.
How does the consistency check work?
After each classification, the app checks whether the chapter matches your other similar products — if 10 similar items are in Chapter 61 and a new one lands in Chapter 62, you'll get a warning. It's a useful safety net for errors that only become obvious when you look at a group of products together.
How accurate are Chinese HS codes?
The first 6 digits (the international standard) are 90–95% accurate, since those are the same worldwide. Digits 7–8 (Chinese national subheadings) sit at 60–75% due to limited English-language reference data, so CN confidence is capped at 85% to be honest about that gap. Always verify CN codes with your freight forwarder before filing.
Can I correct a wrong classification?
Yes — click "View Details" on any product, then "Correct Code" to enter the right HS code. Corrections help the classifier get similar products right going forward. If you've opted into data sharing, your corrections also help improve results for other merchants anonymously.
Can I be penalized for using the wrong HS code?
Yes — customs authorities in both Canada and the US can and do penalize incorrect classifications. The classifier is 85–92% accurate for typical e-commerce products, but classifications are not guaranteed and legal responsibility rests with the importer or exporter. For high-value goods, regulated items, or anything with complex materials, please verify with a licensed customs broker.
Are your tariff rates guaranteed accurate?
No — tariff rates are for planning only, not compliance. The 2026 trade environment is unusually volatile; rates can shift with court rulings or executive orders with very little notice, and there may be a lag before we catch up. Always verify current rates at hts.usitc.gov (US) or cbsa-asfc.gc.ca (Canada) before making compliance decisions.
What happens when tariff rates change?
We watch official sources daily — USITC, CBP, and USTR — and update rates in our database when changes are confirmed. If your products are affected by a rate change, you'll get a notification.
Pricing & Limits
What's included in the Free plan?
The Free plan gives you 20 classifications per month with CA + US + CN HS codes, GRI-aligned reasoning, duty rates (CA, US, CN), bulk classify, and CSV export & import. No credit card required. Try a single product with Instant HS Lookup, or open a Free Web Classify workspace at /web/login.
What are the paid plans?
Starter is $19/month ($190/year) for 250 classifications, Growth is $49/month ($490/year) for 2,500, and Pro is $99/month ($990/year) for 10,000. Monthly paid plans include a 7-day free trial. Annual billing saves about 2 months vs paying monthly. All paid plans include CA + US + CN codes, GRI reasoning, bulk classify, and CSV export. Pro adds priority support.
What counts as one classification?
Each time you classify a product counts as one credit — and re-classifying after a title or description update counts again. Opening a previously classified product without making changes pulls from cache and doesn't use a credit.
When does my limit reset?
Your limit resets every 30 days from your billing cycle start. If you need more before the reset, you can upgrade from the billing page — upgrades take effect immediately.
What happens when I hit my monthly classification limit?
Classification pauses with a clear upgrade or payment prompt — the app does not crash or delete your catalog. Prior codes and exports stay available. Upgrade from Billing (Shopify Admin for the App Store app, or /web/billing for Web Classify) or wait for your monthly reset. Near the Free limit (for example 18 of 20), Web Classify also shows a proactive warning banner.
Are Shopify app billing and Web Classify billing the same?
No. The Shopify App Store uses Shopify Managed Pricing on your Shopify invoice. Standalone Web Classify at j-stars.ca/web uses Stripe Checkout. Marketing-site plan buttons on j-stars.ca also use Stripe, separate from in-app /web billing. Quotas stay aligned across channels: Free 20 · Starter 250 · Growth 2,500 · Pro 10,000.
Why is there a 500-row CSV batch limit?
Web Classify accepts up to 500 data rows per CSV import so batches stay reliable. Split larger catalogs into multiple files, or email support@j-stars.ca for custom high-volume onboarding. Very large batches may also need a short admin review before they run.
Troubleshooting
Why is classification paused or under review?
Common reasons: monthly quota reached, unpaid paid plan, temporary maintenance, a short rate limit when too many requests run at once, or a high-volume batch awaiting admin approval. On-screen messages explain which case applies and link to Billing or support. Your catalog is not deleted. Signed-in help: /web/faq.
What does Needs Info or [REQ] mean?
[REQ] (Needs Info) means one more product fact is required — such as material, construction, or gender — before a filing-ready code can be confirmed. Open the product, answer the question, and classify again. Use Instant HS Lookup for a quick single check, or Free Customs Audit / Web Classify for catalog work.
How do I keep working after upgrading Web Classify?
Technical
Where do the HS codes get saved in Shopify?
Codes save to your Shopify product metafields under the trade namespace: Canadian codes to trade.hs_code, US codes to trade.us_hts_code, and confidence to trade.confidence. Shopify Markets and most third-party duty calculation apps read directly from these standard metafields.
Does this work with Shopify's duty calculator?
Yes — Shopify Markets reads HS codes directly from the standard product metafields we write to. Classify your products first, and Shopify Markets will have the codes it needs to calculate duties accurately at checkout.
How does bulk classification work?
Click "Classify All" and the classifier works through your catalog one product at a time. Products that already have a classification are skipped unless their title or description has changed. You can cancel the run at any time.
Can I export my classifications?
Yes — click "Export CSV" to download a file with product titles, CA codes, US codes, CN codes (if enabled), confidence scores, and GRI reasoning. Handy for sharing with a customs broker or keeping your own records.
Web Classify & Sign-in
How does Web Classify sign-in work?
Web Classify uses passwordless sign-in. Enter your email and we'll send an 8-digit access code plus a one-click sign-in link. We don't store passwords — only short-lived email verification codes and secure session tokens — so your account stays protected with less data on file.
I didn't receive my 8-digit access code — what should I do?
Your sign-in code is on its way. To protect your privacy, we don't store passwords — we rely entirely on secure, temporary email verification codes. If it doesn't arrive within 1–2 minutes, check your spam or junk folder, then click Resend code on the sign-in page for a fresh code. We never ask for a password, phone number, or other unnecessary personal details.
I saw a sign-in error or interruption — is my account safe?
Yes. If sign-in hits a temporary interruption, no data was lost and your account and catalog information remain fully secure. Refresh the page or return to sign-in and request a fresh access code. If the problem continues, email support@j-stars.ca — we'll help you get back to classifying quickly.
Is Jstars AI safe for Shopify stores?
Yes. Jstars uses read-only Shopify OAuth limited to product catalog data and never stores customer PII. See the Security Overview for scopes, retention, and broker auditability.
Is Jstars AI safe for Shopify stores?
Yes. Jstars uses read-only Shopify OAuth limited to product catalog data, does not store customer PII, and encrypts traffic in transit. See the Security Overview for scopes, retention, and broker auditability.
What data does the app store?
We store product titles, descriptions (truncated to 600 characters), assigned HS codes, confidence scores, and GRI reasoning — nothing else. Customer data, order data, pricing, and financial information are never stored. Web Classify sign-in is passwordless (temporary 8-digit email codes and session tokens only).
What is data sharing and can I opt out?
By default, anonymized classification data from your store is used to improve accuracy for all merchants — your shop identity is never attached to it. To opt out, go to Settings > Data & Privacy and toggle off "Share anonymized classification data." The change takes effect immediately.
What happens to my data if I uninstall?
All classification data in our database is deleted when you uninstall, per our GDPR policy. HS codes already written to your Shopify product metafields stay in Shopify — those live in your Shopify account, not ours.
Is my product data sent anywhere else?
Product titles and descriptions are sent to Anthropic's API for classification — Anthropic does not train on API data by default. No customer data, order data, or financial information is ever sent outside our system.
Support
How do I get help?
Email support@j-stars.ca and we'll get back to you within 24 hours on business days. For billing, all charges appear on your Shopify invoice and can be managed from Shopify Admin > Settings > Billing. For Web Classify sign-in issues, refresh, request a fresh access code, or email support — your account data stays secure.
The app gave me a wrong code — what should I do?
Check the alternative classifications first — the correct code is often already listed there with an explanation of when it applies. If not, use "Correct Code" to enter the right code manually. For complex or regulated products, a quick check with a customs broker is the fastest path to certainty.
Do you guarantee classification accuracy?
No — the classifier is a helpful starting point, not a guarantee. Accuracy is typically 85–92% for common e-commerce products, but legal responsibility for correct customs declarations always rests with the importer or exporter. For high-value shipments, regulated goods, or anything complex, verify with a licensed customs broker.
I hit my classification limit — what do I do?
Upgrade from Plans & Billing (Shopify app) or /web/billing (Web Classify) — it takes effect as soon as payment confirms. Your catalog stays intact. See What happens when I hit my monthly limit or email support@j-stars.ca.
Do you recommend a customs broker?
We don't endorse specific brokers, but we genuinely recommend working with one for high-value shipments, regulated products (food, cosmetics, electronics with FCC requirements), or anything where you're unsure. In Canada you can find licensed brokers at cscb.ca; in the US, at ncbfaa.org.
What are your limitations as a classification tool?
The classifier is a fast, accurate starting point — not a licensed customs broker or substitute for professional compliance advice. It's right 85–92% of the time for typical e-commerce products, with GRI reasoning so you can see why every decision was made. For legal compliance, always verify with a qualified professional; we're a tool to make that job faster, not to replace it.
Still have questions?
Our team responds within 24 hours on business days.
Last updated: August 2026