Food and drink classification: how to get your tariff codes right

Getting your product to market if you're a food and drink producer or exporter isn't always simple. Behind every successful international shipment is a complex web of customs rulings and compliance checks that every one must go through. Accurate tariff codes are at the centre of this.

Here, we look at what it takes to be confident with your tariff codes. With misclassification a real risk for many businesses, how can you navigate classification more efficiently? And where do tools like TTVerified fit in to support food and drink businesses of all sizes?

The complexity of food classification

At first glance, classifying food for customs purposes might seem straightforward. Just list the ingredients and provide a description, right? Not quite. The reality is that to accurately classify a product, you need to take all product information into account, including a detailed breakdown that goes far beyond the basic ingredients.

A product's classification depends on:

• Detailed ingredient composition. Even minor variations in ingredients can affect the tariff code
• Nutritional information. Fat content, sugar levels and other attributes can determine how a product is classified
• Physical state. Fresh, frozen or dried products often have different tariff codes
• Country of origin. Rules of origin impact duty rates and eligibility for trade agreements
• Packaging and presentation. The way a product is packed can influence classification and duty calculations

Take the example of yogurt. A natural, unflavoured yogurt with no added sugar containing Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus falls under one tariff code. But add Lactobacillus acidophilus, and suddenly you might be looking at a different classification entirely.

The same goes for chocolate. A milk chocolate Easter egg with truffles will have a different tariff code to a white chocolate version, even if the core product is almost identical. Small differences matter, and businesses that overlook these details can face misclassification penalties or supply chain disruption.

Keeping up with regulatory changes

Tariff codes don't stay the same forever. Every year, updates to the Harmonised System (HS) codes and regional regulations mean businesses must stay ahead of the curve. In 2025, for example, changes to the classification of tomatoes impacted importers and exporters globally.

Without a tariff code tool like TTVerified in place, businesses risk using outdated classifications, leading to higher-than-necessary duties or compliance failures.

A smarter approach to classification

Food and drink businesses don't have to spend hours researching codes. TariffTel's tariff code platform, TTVerified, takes the guesswork out of the process by:

• Gathering precise product details from you with a few simple questions, so every ingredient and characteristic is accounted for
• Cross-referencing the latest customs rules and regulations so your codes stay current
• Integrating with your existing systems to keep classification and compliance in one place
• Recording the reasoning behind every code, so it is audit-ready from the start

Take a look at how M&S Food manage their food classification simply and compliantly.

Classification as a competitive advantage

For food and drink businesses, getting classification right isn't just a regulatory necessity, it's a competitive advantage. With the right tools and expertise, businesses can avoid costly surprises, streamline operations, and move smoothly into global markets. Platforms like TTVerified catch exactly this kind of nuance, combining automation with expert review.

Want to see how it works for your SKUs? Start a 14-day free trial, 10 classifications with no card required, or get in touch with our team.