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Trading with other nations often involves a lot of rules, procedures, and duties. Managing and sorting products that travel across borders is mainly done with the help of the Harmonized System Code — referred to as the HS Code. When you handle import and export, HS codes are important for putting your goods in the proper tax class and making sure they fit with all customs rules.
Here, we are covering what an HS code means, why it plays a significant role, and how to get the proper HS code for your business.
By means of an HS Code, or Harmonized System Code, different nations group products traded among them. This system is applied by almost all countries to solve customs issues. The World Customs Organization (WCO) came up with the system to make it easier to spot goods with a standard code.
Every HS Code is made of six digits internationally and can be increased to eight, ten, or twelve digits based on each country’s system.
Let’s take HS code 6109.10.00 for example:
When officials look at HS codes, they can figure out the nature of goods. If the HS codes are wrong, this may lead to delays, being charged, or having the goods taken away.
The classification of a product will determine how much its duty will be. Proper coding guarantees the correct tariffs are chose.
States and trade-related bodies rely on HS codes to oversee trade, see how goods are moved, and plan their trade activities.
Companies insert HS codes on important trade documents, such as the commercial invoice, the shipping bill, and the Bill of Entry.
The HS Code system is structured hierarchically:
In India, the system is known as ITC-HS (Indian Trade Classification based on Harmonized System). It consists of 8 digits:
You can easily search and find Indian 8-digit HS codes using EximPe’s HS Code Finder Tool to simplify customs documentation and compliance.
These are the steps you can take to find the correct HS code.
1. Make use of a legally certified HS Code search tool.
The website EximPe provides easy ways to search for products using select keywords or descriptions.
2. Look at Trade Portals and websites run by Customs from the Government.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and ICEGATE make lists of ITC-HS codes available.
3. Get in touch with Your Customs Broker or Freight Forwarder
They have knowledge that allows them to organize goods accurately and move through customs steps properly.
4. Look at the specifications of the product very closely.
Here are examples of popular HS code categories:
In both imports and exports, HS codes:
For example:
HS codes serve multiple critical functions in international trade:
Using the correct HS code is essential to avoid shipment delays, fines, or misclassification disputes.
Finding the right HS code for your product is crucial and can be done through several methods:
Everyone involved in international trade, including importers, exporters, and logistics people, needs to grasp what HS codes do. The HS code forms the backbone of documentation needed for the global trading system.
With the use of EximPe, you do not need much time to accurately categorize goods and reduce costs. Get started now in making your trade operations less complicated.
An HS code is a standardized number used worldwide to classify products for import and export. It determines customs duty, taxes, and compliance.
HS Code means Harmonized System Code, developed by WCO to create a universal system of naming and coding traded products.
You can access the Indian HS code list through CBIC, DGFT, or tools like EximPe’s HS code search.
HS codes help in classifying products accurately, determining tariffs and duties, and ensuring compliance with customs laws.
The first 6 digits are standard globally. However, countries like India add extra digits (up to 8 or 10) for national classification.
Yes, incorrect HS codes can lead to fines, delays, or overpayment of customs duties.
You can use official government sources or try the EximPe HS Code Finder to search by product name.
HS Code is used internationally, while HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) is India’s GST-specific classification.
Yes, for businesses under GST, HSN codes (derived from HS codes) must be mentioned in invoices and returns.
The WCO updates HS codes every five years. Countries may issue annual revisions at the national level.
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