If the HS code is included in the paperwork received from the shipper and is listed on the house bill issued by the freight forwarder’s office or agent at the origin, only one HS code is required to be provided, up to 6 digits in length. However, according to the CBSA, the requirement for a freight forwarder to provide an HS code or Customs Tariff item number is conditional upon having the information as part of the bill of lading, waybill, or similar transportation source document. If the information is not included, there is no requirement for the freight forwarder to provide it, and they are not expected to classify the goods. 

If the information must be transmitted, the ECCRD guidelines state that a minimum of 6 digits must be provided, depending on the system specifications and data element conditions, under the cargo description section of the eManifest House Bill Portal. The CBSA’s current system only allows for one HS code per house bill transmission, so it is recommended to use the code that represents the majority of the shipment.