Add a product manually
In this article, you'll learn how to create a product manually and understand the required information.
In this article:
- Begin the creation of a new product
- Define a SKU and display name
- Insert the Customs Description
- Enter the barcode
- Enter the tariff number
- Determine the product origin
- Enter the product value and determine other specifications
- Provide a customs description
- Translate your product name
- Link your new product
1. Begin the creation of a new product
- Access the Products tab
- Click on Add product
See the following sections to learn how to fill out the required information for your product.
2. Define a SKU and display name
Each SKU consists of the following elements:
- Your company's 4-letter ID
- 6 characters of your choice, identifying the product
- 4 characters of your choice to define any specific information
☝️ Once created, a SKU can no longer be modified. We kindly recommend you to take some time when creating them!
The Display Name you choose will be editable. We recommend that you use an easily identifiable name to ensure smooth logistics operations.
💡Click on the ➕ icon (next to Display Name) to add Options. Options create colored tags that will appear only internally for easier recognition of your products. You may add an option for color, size, or any other custom criterion.
3. Insert the Customs Description
Starting November 12, 2024, it became mandatory for shipments to the USA to avoid including general descriptions on customer transmissions or labels. This is specifically for the USA, but proactively applying these standards will be beneficial for export to any country. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be conducting a risk analysis on goods entering the country. If goods are exported with generic descriptions, they may be stopped and subject to penalties.
ℹ If you ship to the USA or any country with customs requirements, please read this article about mastering customs description.
4. Enter the barcode
Enter a valid barcode (12 or 13 digits). Your barcode is the link between our warehouse(s) and us. It can be:
- a UPC barcode
- an EAN-13 barcode
- an EAN-8 barcode
💡 For more details, follow this link: EAN/UPC barcodes.
5. Enter the tariff number
The product Harmonized System Code (HS Code) is essential for customs clearance. It is an international code categorizing your product type and its components.
💡 You can use www.findhs.codes to find it (or www.tarifdouanier.eu for french speakers). It must contain at least 6 digits but try to find the most accurate code.
6. Determine the product origin
The product origin is also important for customs clearance, as it defines the customs fees.
The notion of origin is quite complex; this is not necessarily your product production place, but the country where the majority of the product transformation has been made.
7. Enter the product value and determine other specifications
What do we mean by product value?
The product value is the purchase or production value of your product. In other words: how much your product costs.
This value is used as a basis for insurance. You can either enter a value in $ or in €.
How are the products' dimensions and weight registered?
The warehouse operators are responsible for registering each product's dimensions and weight as soon as they receive them - no need to worry about these!
Can I Track lots for my product?
By ticking Track lots, you activate lot tracking for the product (meaning that each article will be attached to a lot code). Once ticked, a new option appears which is Track lot expiry, to add expiry dates for your lots with the desired Lot expiry threshold delay (number of days before expiry date upon which products will switch to damaged and not fulfill orders anymore).
☝️ The two options can not be modified later on, but the expiry threshold delay can.
Is the product Foldable?
By ticking this option, you agree that the product can be folded one time, from one end to the other in the direction of the largest dimension.
💡 This setting can be modified later on if required.
Is the product Already packaged?
By ticking this option, you agree that orders containing only one of this product can be shipped with no additional packaging.
☝️ For the shipping label to be directly added on the product, a flat surface of minimum dimensions 110x190mm is required.
Orders containing more products will not take this option into account and, if all products fit in a package, they will ship all together in this package.
💡 This setting can be modified later on if required.
Is the product Non-returnable?
By ticking this option, your product is still displayed in the return portal, but buyers can't select it and add it to their returns anymore. Common use-cases include underwear or personalised products.
💡 This setting can be modified later on if required.
8. Provide a customs description
A customs description is useful in the customs clearance process, allowing customs agents to have a clearer description of your products. It will be displayed in the export documents.
Example: T-Shirt made of cotton (size S, color yellow, name "Bigblue Save Pandas 1")
9. Translate your product name
Your product name can be translated if needed in other languages. It can be useful for customs or products import in foreign warehouses.
Once completed, click on Create product in the bottom-right corner. Your product will then appear in the Products tab!
10. Link your new product
Only orders with items linked to Bigblue products can be handled by our system! Consult this guide to learn how to link your newly created product.