Quick Tips for Logistics Professionals
- Customs codes or HS codes govern international trade in goods. The Combined Nomenclature (CN) and TARIC are the reference for all countries in the European Union (EU)
- Rigorous identification of HS codes enables importers and exporters to anticipate costs, streamline customs clearance and benefit fromadvantageous trade agreements with the EU.
- With the tightening of security rules and regulatory requirements on transport documents within the EU, integrating HS codes into your management system is a recommended practice for optimizing the management of transport, duties and taxes.
- Working with an experienced customs representative who knows your products secures your HS codes, streamlines the customs management of your products and secures your business.
This article is part of a trilogy:
- HS codes: what you need to know when worhing with the EU
- How do you find the HS code for your goods?
- Customs tariffs: check your bills of material 2025
Understanding HS codes
What is a HS code?
A HS code, also known as Customs code, customs nomenclature , tariff classification, customs tariff, commodity code or SH code is a numerical identifier assigned to each product traded internationally. It enables governments to monitor trade flows, regulate trade and collect customs duties, thereby contributing to global economic and trade policies.
There are several customs classifications, including :
- The Harmonized System (HS) of the World Customs Organization (WCO): used worldwide, it is based on a 6-digit structure.
- Combined Nomenclature (CN): specific to the European Union, this adds two digits to the HS for greater precision.
- TARIC (Community Integrated Tariff ): details the tariff and regulatory measures applied to goods imported or exported within the European Union.
Example of a European HS code
8407 10 00 20 corresponds to spark-ignition reciprocating piston engines for the propulsion of land vehicles intended to be mounted on aerodynes which have themselves benefited from duty-free treatment or which have been manufactured in the Community.
- 8407: the first four digits come from the Harmonized System (HS) and designate spark-ignition reciprocating piston engines.
- 10: the following two digits specify a sub-category within the European Union’s Combined Nomenclature (CN), offering an additional level of detail: aviation engines.
- 00 20: these last figures are specific to TARIC and make it possible to integrate tariff or regulatory measures specific to the EU, in this case duty-free.
What are the reference documents and tools?
Here are 3 very useful tools at European, French and global level, and below are the main reference documents.
TARIC – EU Customs Tariff
RITA – French customs nomenclature
WCO Trade Tools – HS codes
Customs codes worldwide
- World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS): used by over 200 countries to harmonize trade. It is updated every 5 years. > > Access WCO.
- WCO Trade Tools database: a practical tool offered by the WCO to access international tariffs and regulatory measures. > Available on WCO Trade Tools.
European reference documents and tools
- Combined Nomenclature (CN): the European version of the HS, this is a reference text detailing 8-digit tariff headings? updated annually. Available on EUR-Lex, the CN is generally published at the end of October for entry into force on January 1.
- TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Union) is a database integrating all EU customs and trade regulations. Accessible on the European Commission website, it is updated daily.
- The RITA (Référentiel Intégré Tarifaire Automatisé) database: a practical French tool for consulting national and European tariff regulations. Available on douane.gouv.fr.
How do you manage your goods’ HS codes in the EU?
Customs tariffs play a key role in managing the flow of goods for companies, both for import and export, and contribute to both your financial rigor and the fluidity of your supply chain.
Why are HS codes important when trading with the EU ?
Import :
- Identifying the HS code applicable to goods enables you to anticipate customs duties and VAT.
- The HS code is essential for customs clearance, reducing the risk of goods being blocked due to misclassification.
- The customs tariff can be used to check whether specific regulations apply (quotas, restrictions, health or technical standards).
For export :
- It guarantees the application of preferential trade agreements and avoids unnecessary costs for foreign customers.
- It secures customs declarations and reduces the risk of disputes with customs authorities in destination countries.
- It ensures regulatory compliance and reinforces the company’s credibility on international markets.
The importance of HS codes on transport documents in the EU
- With the entry into force of the new ICS (Import Control System) regulations within the European Union, the transfer of HS codes onto transport documents such as AWB (AirWay Bills) has become crucial: 6-digit HS codes on master AWBs and 8-digit HS codes on house AWBs.
- Similarly, with the introduction of ICS2 phase 3, theea carriers must provide a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before goods arrive in the EU, including, among other things, the 6-digit HS code . Phase 3 came into force in June 2024, with a transition until April 2025.
- The commercial invoice is a key document: ideally, it should include the HS code for each item. Although not compulsory, this indication on the invoice is essential to ensure compliance with customs procedures.
With the tightening of security regulations worldwide, it is becoming mandatory to include full HS codes on transport documents. Companies have an interest in integrating these HS codes into their ERP database to ensure end-to-end compliance and optimize their operations.
Why check your HS codes?
Checking and updating your HS codes in line with current customs nomenclatures ensures the reliability of data exchanged by your departments (Sales, Purchasing, Logistics, Customs and Accounting), ensures efficient customs clearance, and guarantees accurate payment of applicable duties.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- When importing, using an incorrect HS code will result in delayed customs clearance and additional costs.
- on the export market, lose a tariff advantage under a trade agreement due to poor classification.
Best practices for efficient management
- It is essential toexploit official databases, such as TARIC and RITA, to refine tariff classification and avoid errors.
- Constant regulatory monitoring enables us to anticipate customs developments and adapt our practices accordingly.
- Applying proven analysis methods reduces the risk of incorrect coding.
Just as a company doesn’t change accountants for every invoice, it shouldn’t entrust its customs declarations to different service providers, depending on the flow!
Working with an expert freight forwarder who knows your products and understands your nomenclature makes customs clearance much smoother, and ensures reliable management of your customs tariffs in terms of fees, taxes and duties.
