Articles on: Invoice Content

How to Add HSN or HS Codes to Invoices

Invoice Falcon lets you display the HS code (Harmonized System code) or HSN code (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) for each product on your invoice. HS/HSN codes are internationally recognized product classification codes used for customs, export documentation, and tax compliance. When enabled, the code appears in the product metadata area below each item name in the items table.


Enabling the HS/HSN Code on Your Invoice


The HS code setting is located in the Visual Editor under the Items information section. Follow these steps to turn it on for any template.


  1. Open the Invoice Falcon app from your Shopify Admin.
  2. Click Templates in the left navigation menu.
  3. Click on the template you want to customize (or click Edit on the template row).
  4. Scroll to the Visual editor section and click the Open visual editor button.
  5. In the left panel, click the Items information section to expand it.
  6. In the Product details sub-section, locate the Show HS code checkbox.


Enable the HS/HSN code on your invoice


  1. In the Product details sub-section, check the Show HS code checkbox.
  2. Review the live preview on the right — the HS code appears below each product name in the items table (e.g., "HS Code: 9506.11").
  3. Click Save changes at the top of the Visual Editor.


  • The HS/HSN code is displayed as a labeled text line in the product metadata area, alongside other details like SKU and variant.
  • Only items that have an HS code assigned in Shopify will show the code. Items without an HS code will not display anything for this field.
  • Off by default.




Tip: The label text defaults to "HS Code". You can change it to "HSN Code" or any other text (e.g., "Tariff Code") by going to the Labels section in the Visual Editor and updating the HS Code label field.


How to add an HS/HSN code to a product in Shopify


The HS/HSN code must be set on each product in Shopify before it can appear on your invoice. Follow these steps to add it.


For a product with a single variant


  1. In your Shopify Admin, go to Products and click on the product you want to update.
  2. Scroll down to the Shipping section.
  3. Check the This is a physical product checkbox if it is not already enabled (the customs fields only appear for physical products).
  4. Look for the Customs information area within the Shipping section.
  5. In the HS code field, enter the Harmonized System code for the product (e.g., "9506.11" for snowboards, "6109.10" for cotton T-shirts).
  6. Click Save at the top of the page.


For a product with multiple variants


  1. In your Shopify Admin, go to Products and click on the product you want to update.
  2. Scroll down to the Variants section.
  3. Click on the specific variant you want to update.
  4. In the variant detail view, scroll to the Shipping section.
  5. Enter the HS code in the HS code field under Customs information.
  6. Click Save to save the variant.
  7. Repeat steps 3–6 for each variant that needs an HS code.


Tip: You can also set HS codes in bulk using Shopify's bulk editor. In the Products list, select multiple products, click Bulk edit, and add the "HS code" column to update many products at once.



How to find the correct HS/HSN code


If you are unsure which HS/HSN code applies to your product:


  • Use Shopify's built-in search — when you click the HS code field in Shopify, it provides a search tool where you can type a product description (e.g., "snowboard") and see matching HS codes.
  • Check your country's customs website — most countries publish a searchable HS code database. Examples:
  • India (HSN): cbic-gst.gov.in
  • USA (HTS): hts.usitc.gov
  • EU (CN): ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs
  • Consult your customs broker or accountant — for complex products or when codes are ambiguous, a professional can advise on the correct classification.


Disable the HS/HSN code


  1. In the Product details sub-section, uncheck the Show HS code checkbox.
  2. Click Save changes at the top of the Visual Editor.


The HS code line is removed from all items on the invoice. No blank space is left.


Known limitations


  • HS code data comes from Shopify — the code is pulled from the product or variant's customs information in Shopify. You cannot manually enter or override HS codes from within Invoice Falcon.
  • Physical products only — in Shopify, the customs information section (including HS code) only appears for products marked as physical products. Digital products do not have this field.
  • No validation — Invoice Falcon displays the HS code exactly as entered in Shopify. It does not validate whether the code is correct or current.
  • Per-item display — the HS code is shown per line item. There is no consolidated HS code summary or table for the entire order.
  • Settings are per-template — the HS code visibility setting is saved independently for each template.
  • Previously generated PDFs are not affected — changes only apply to invoices generated after saving.


Troubleshooting


Symptom

Likely Cause

Fix

HS code checkbox is enabled but no code appears on the invoice

The product does not have an HS code set in Shopify

Add an HS code to the product in Shopify Admin (Products → select product → ShippingCustoms informationHS code)

HS code shows for some items but not others

Only some products have HS codes assigned in Shopify

Add HS codes to the remaining products. Only items with a code set will display it

HS code label says "HS Code" but I need "HSN Code"

The default label is "HS Code"

Change the label in the Labels section of the Visual Editor — update the HS Code label field to "HSN Code"

HS code field not visible in Shopify product page

The product is not marked as a physical product

In Shopify, go to the product → Shipping section → check This is a physical product to reveal the customs information fields


FAQs


Q: What is the difference between HS code and HSN code?
A: They are essentially the same system. HS (Harmonized System) is the international standard. HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) is the term commonly used in India and some other countries. The first 6 digits are internationally standardized; countries may add extra digits for more specific classification.


Q: Can I change the label from "HS Code" to "HSN Code"?
A: Yes. Go to the Labels section in the Visual Editor, find the HS Code label, and change it to "HSN Code" or any other text you prefer (e.g., "Tariff Code", "Commodity Code").


Q: Is the HS code required on invoices?
A: It depends on your country and business. HS/HSN codes are typically required on commercial invoices for international shipments and for GST invoices in India. Check your local tax and customs regulations.


Q: Can I show the HS code in a separate column instead of below the product name?
A: Not from the Visual Editor. The HS code appears in the product metadata area below the product name. To display it as a separate table column, you would need to customize the template using the Code Editor.


Q: Does Invoice Falcon validate whether my HS code is correct?
A: No. Invoice Falcon displays the code exactly as entered in Shopify. Ensure you enter the correct code for your products using Shopify's built-in HS code search or your country's customs database.

Updated on: 20/05/2026

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