In some instances, certain commodities may contain overlapping codes, where two or more codes apply. In such cases, the shipper only needs to select one, usually the closest possible match to the actual item.
The customs departments of almost every country have already defined different regulations based on different classifications. When you include the incorrect code, there might be a risk of unintended duties and taxes, higher restrictions on importing, or, in the worst-case scenario, rejection of entry into the destination country.
While it’s not necessary to indicate your product’s HS code in every document, it’s always recommended to include it on your invoice to give a clear and accurate representation of the contents of your shipment, especially if the item you are shipping is very technical.
For example, describing an item simply as “Television Parts” on your invoice, while straightforward, can be ambiguous. To define the specific component being shipped, you would require an HS code to clearly label the item.