HS Codes not enough now

Topic summary

Canadian customs has recently implemented stricter requirements for package descriptions beyond HS codes alone. Shipments that previously cleared without issue are now being held at the border.

New Requirements:

  • Each item must include what it is (specific description)
  • What it is used for (purpose/function)
  • What it is made of (materials/composition)

Current Situation:

  • HS codes by themselves are no longer sufficient for customs clearance
  • UPS confirmed these are new enforcement standards, not temporary delays
  • Packages are being held until more detailed descriptions are provided

Outstanding Question:
The poster asks whether Shopify plans to add dedicated fields to product data to accommodate these new “use” and “made of” requirements for international shipping. This remains unanswered and represents an open need for merchants shipping to Canada.

Summarized with AI on November 3. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

We have shipped successfully to Canada for years. In the past 2 weeks, our packages are being held. I finally got an UPS agent to give me an answer. All of our items are clearly identified as to what they are with the HS code. The “use” and “made of” are missing. See below.

My question: Does Shopify acknowledge this and are they adding fields to each item data for this information?

------------- From UPS ---------------

I understand that this description has worked in the past, but changes have been made about what is acceptable and what is not. You are correct that the HS code defines the category that your items are a part of, but it does not tell us specifically what your items are. Customs requires very specific descriptions now. We need to know what each item is, what it is used for, and what it is made of. The hold on this shipment cannot be released without a more specific description. I apologize for the inconvenience. Please reach out to your UPS Account Executive for any questions you may have.

Thank you,

Kaitlyn Howard

Holds Resolution Clerk

UPS Export | Customs Brokerage

Work E-mail: kaitlynhoward@ups.com

CER Team E-mail: sdfcer@ups.com

Direct Line: 502.362.6632