| If you are in the business of importing and/or | | | | used universally, and various countries can add more |
| exporting, you must perform an HS code search | | | | digits to the number depending on their own tariff |
| from time to time to determine what the harmonized | | | | and statistical needs. The resulting codes may be |
| number is for goods and raw materials that you may | | | | eight, 10 or 12 digits long. These numerical codes |
| be shipping in and out of your country to and from | | | | are used for each and every commodity that |
| other countries. Each product or substance crossing | | | | crosses an international border and is declared to |
| international borders has its own HS tariff | | | | customs, making it easier to calculate and assess |
| classification number, which is part of the Harmonized | | | | duties and taxes, determine import and export |
| Commodity Description and Coding System, an | | | | admissibility, assess risks and other tasks. |
| international standard for reporting goods to customs | | | | If you are in the business of international trade, |
| and other governmental agencies. The Harmonized | | | | either at the commercial level or the governmental |
| Code is a classification system of numbers and words | | | | level, it is important to understand these international |
| that is used by more than 200 countries, customs | | | | codes. Government officials and staff must be able |
| and economic unions around the world, affecting | | | | to perform a quick HS code search to assess |
| nearly 100 percent of global trade. It is a complex, | | | | customs duties, enforce domestic regulations, |
| often confusing, yet necessary system. | | | | perform risk assessment and collect trade statistics. |
| The Harmonized code was created by the | | | | Business professionals must also be able to find the |
| Brussels-based World Customs Organization, or WCO, | | | | correct codes to determine the landed cost of |
| which is still responsible for administering and | | | | imported goods and materials, identify international |
| maintaining the system. Each HS tariff classification | | | | selling and sourcing opportunities and bring together |
| number contains six digits at the beginning that are | | | | procurement and compliance along the supply chain. |