H S CODE

H S CODE

Classification of commodity has been introduced in early nineteenth century in Europe. Internationally accepted coding system was first introduced in 1931 as Brussels Nomenclature and in 1937 as League of Nations Nomenclature. Present nomenclature has been introduced by Customs Co-operative Council (CCC) as CCC N (nomenclature) in the year 1959.
The term “HS Code” refers to the “Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System”. The HS code is used by Customs agencies worldwide to assess duties, collect trade statistics, and generally to control imports and exports. The system begins by assigning goods to categories of crude and natural products, and from there proceeds to categories with increasing complexity. The codes with the broadest coverage are the first four digits, and are referred to as the heading. The HTS therefore sets forth all the international nomenclature through the 6-digit level and, where needed, contains added subdivisions assigned 2 more digits, for a total of 8 at the tariff-rate line (legal) level. Two final (non-legal) digits are assigned as statistical reporting numbers if warranted, for a total of 10 digits to be listed on entries. To ensure harmonization, the contracting parties must employ all 4-digit and 6-digit provisions and the international rules and notes without deviation, but are free to adopt additional subcategories and notes.