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Harmonized System Codes

Are your company's HS codes its Achilles' heel?

Is your company's weak area HS codes while dealing with international issues?
Learn how to properly utilise HS codes in order to remit the appropriate customs and taxes whether you are a cross-border trader, importer, or exporter.

What are Harmonized Systems Codes?

Are they the same as HS codes?

The long name for the Harmonized System is “Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System”, and is an internationally recognized nomenclature of standardized product classification. The short name is HS, which is the common abbreviation, and is used in over 200 countries (including the EU, the USA, Japan and China) and encompasses over 5000 commodity groups. Every group is clearly labelled with a 6-digit code. The HS was developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The first 6 digits of a customs tariff number are the same in all countries which use the HS.

Harmonized System Training

Learn how to classify products correctly

Join our live training on how to classify goods for customs purposes and determine their commodity harmonized system code.

Customs Classification

Pillars of Customs Compliance

Hear from the trainers of Customs Manager’s Pillars of Customs Compliance course,  Mike Bing and Arne Mielken as they discuss customs classification. We will cover what this is and share some top tips. We also discuss the content of the training we will deliver.

End Of Year Panic?

Annual EU Tariff Changes

In this video, we share our top tips for HS customs classification changes towards the end of the year. Find out how to prepare for these changes and understand the important difference between 8 and 10 digits and the relevance of obtaining the correlation table from the authorities as soon as possible.

FAQ on Harmonized System Codes

Each of the millions of completed goods and components that are sold globally are given a unique HS code. You asked us questions, here are our answers.


Use the proper HS codes for your items whether you are an importer, exporter, or engaged in cross-border operations to ensure you are paying the appropriate customs and taxes.

How do I find the correct tariff code?

What are HS codes?

Each of the millions of completed goods and components that are traded worldwide and are assigned an HS code falls under one of the 5,000 categories in the Harmonized System's 21 sections.
Businesses need to know not only what a product is, but also what it does, and what it's built of, in order to correctly assign a tariff code utilising HS code regulations (i.e. classification).

Accelerate global growth

Why are HS codes important?

Many companies have a problem with applying incorrect codes, but are unaware of it. Incorrect use of HS codes may indicate:

  • Low ratings from dissatisfied consumers

  • There is a delay in processing your goods through customs, and they may be kept for an extended period of time.

  • Not being able to compete with rivals that have a superior product or service

  • Spending an excessive amount on tariffs

  • Having to worry about fines and punishments

Terminology matters in customs classification.

What is a commodity code?

A commodity code is a sequence of numbers made up of six, eight, or ten digits (up to 14) that are used within a country or customs union like the European Union (EU) countries. Used, amongst others, for importing and exporting.

Classification Competency Test

Do You Think You Know About Customs Classification? Then take this test!

To be admitted to the Diploma in Advanced Customs Competencies & Leadership, you are required to demonstrate your knowledge across a range of customs areas. Please complete this form and send it to us. We will get in touch with you to discuss your results and the next steps.

The Product

Dried buffalo ears, for use as animal feed, packed in plastic bags of 50 or 100 pieces. The ears are produced as a slaughter by-product (that is, meat offal) in food production plants. They are then further processed without observing food hygiene measures by dehairing, cleaning and drying in the sun. The products are transported as animal feed and sold as dog chews.

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