December 18, 2025

Mistake #1: Using Canadian or Source Country HS Codes Without Verification The Error: Canadian exporters frequently use the HS codes from their domestic systems or those provided by suppliers, assuming they’ll work in African markets. Why It Fails: While the first six digits of HS codes are internationally harmonized, some countries add extra digits to […]

A seemingly innocuous six-digit code. That’s all that stands between profitable African market entry and financial disaster for Canadian exporters. Yet tariff classification errors represent one of the costliest and most common mistakes in international trade—costing Canadian businesses millions in penalties, delays, and lost opportunities across African markets. Introduction Consider this scenario: A Canadian agricultural