Product Descriptions, Categories & Dangerous Goods

This article outlines the product categories available on Easyship, how to accurately describe products, and the specific requirements for shipping dangerous goods.

What are Product Categories?

Couriers and countries have specific restrictions on the types of commodities that can be transported or imported. Product categories serve as an essential reference point for compatibility between couriers and destinations. Easyship uses these categories to assign HS codes, saving merchants time on tariff classifications.

You can also search HS Codes by description or numerical code through Easyship’s dashboard.

How to Write Accurate Product Descriptions

Your item description should clearly explain:

• What the product is
• What it's made of
• What it's used for

✅ Example:

• Use "Women's cotton t-shirt" instead of just "shirt"

❌ Avoid:

• Abbreviations or internal SKUs (e.g., “ABC123”)
• Vague terms like “gift” or “accessory”
  

Why it matters:
Clear and specific descriptions help avoid customs delays, rejections, or fines.

Prohibited Items 

Some goods are prohibited from shipping via Easyship, including but not limited to:

• Any product related to illegal activities or which is prohibited by law in the place of origin, the destination, or any sites through which such product travels.
• Any product requiring specific licenses to store or distribute. Examples of products with distribution and licensing requirements may include, but are not limited to:
  • Live plants and animals;
  • Perishable goods;
  • Alcoholic beverages;
  • Ammunition, firearms and any kind of weapon;
  • Tobacco, vapes;
  • Prescription pharmaceuticals or other dangerous drugs;
  • Explosive or Flammable or hazardous products;
  • Counterfeit items;
  • Unique or one-of-a-kind materials; and
  • Precious metals in the forms of bullion or reserves.

Check with Easyship Support if unsure whether your product is allowed.

Dangerous Goods and Required Documents

Dangerous goods are categorized into 9 classes, each with different shipping risks. It is essential to classify dangerous goods correctly so that the hazards posed are communicated through the transport chain. 

Easyship only handles some Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods, such as:

• PI 967 Lithium-ion Batteries Contained in Equipment (UN3481) - General electronic products (e.g. phone, laptop etc) can be shipped without SDS approval
• Lithium Metal Batteries
• Magnetized materials
• Dry food and supplements
• Liquid - Some general liquid (e.g. Shampoos & conditioners) can be shipped without SDS approval
• Non-alcoholic health & beauty products (e.g., nail polish)

For hemp products (including CBD), Easyship imposes certain restrictions.

For perfumes, Easyship imposes certain restrictions, and shipments are handled on a case-by-case basis.

For DG shipments, you may need:

• MSDS/SDS: Must be issued within three years of the shipping date, comply with 2025/66th Edition DGR, and be in English
• UN38.3: Required for lithium-ion batteries, valid within three years.

Make sure the product category, HS code, dimensions, and weight are declared accurately.

Category List and Examples

Below are common product categories you can select in Easyship: