HS codes

Importing from a non-EU country or exporting to a non-EU country

HS codes and commodity codes, such as GN codes and TARIC codes, can be found online in the Dutch Customs Tariff. Looking up the right code for your product is sometimes difficult. This article will help you. You will not immediately see the code for your product. However, an example will show you how to look it up.

HS codes and commodity codes are numerical codes that define the customs used for classifying products. With the right code, you know how much import duty you pay. And the codes determine what other measures there are when you import or export products. For example, whether you need a licence or certificate.

Search in Usage Rate 

The examples below explain how to look up the HS code and commodity code of leather handbags in the Usage Rate.

In the first example, you export leather handbags to a country outside the EU. In eight steps, you will read how to find the six-digit HS code and eight-digit export commodity code (CN code) for leather handbags.

In the second example, you import leather handbags from outside the EU. You look for the six-digit HS code and 10-digit import commodity code (TARIC code) of leather handbags. 

Exporting to a non-EU country. Example

The HS code and CN code on export.

1. Open it Usage rate.
2. Click on the 'nomenclature' tab and within it on 'consult via nomenclature'.
3. Under destination, select 'export'.
4. Click on the folder 'SECTION VIII - Raw hides, skins, leather and furskins, leather goods and fur; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (CHAPTER 41 - 43)'.
5. Then click on the folder 'CHAPTER 42 - LEATHERWARDS; SADEL AND TUIGMAKERSWORK; TRAVEL ARCHITECTIONS, HANDBAGS AND THROUGH STORAGE MATERIALS; WORKS OF DIMENSIONS'.
6. Open folder '4202'. This includes travel items, handbags and storage devices.
7. Choose the folder '-handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap, including those without handle'.
8. You will now see the code 4202 21 00 '- - with an exterior of leather or imitation leather'. 

4202 21 00 is the CN code you use to export leather handbags. Clicking on the magnifying glass behind the code will take you to the EU export measures. You can also fill in the destination country you want to export to under 'Country'. Then click on 'Consult'. You will then see which EU export measures apply to that country. 

The HS code is 4202 21. This code consists of the first six digits of the CN code.

Can't figure it out? Call or mail our customs department and they will be happy to help you!

Importing from a non-EU country. Example

HS code and TARIC code at import.

1. Open it Usage rate.
2. Click on the 'nomenclature' tab and within it on 'consult via nomenclature'.
3. Under destination, select 'import'.
4. Click on the folder 'SECTION VIII - Raw hides, skins, leather and furskins, leather goods and fur; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (CHAPTER 41 - 43)'.
5. Then click on the folder 'CHAPTER 42 - LEATHERWARDS; SADEL AND TUIGMAKERSWORK; TRAVEL ARCHITECTIONS, HANDBAGS AND THROUGH STORAGE MATERIALS; WORKS OF DIMENSIONS'.
6. Open folder '4202'. This includes travel items, handbags and storage devices.
7. Choose the folder '-handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap, including those without handle'. You will now see a folder with code 4202 21 '--with outer surface of leather or of composition leather'.
8. If you click on folder 4202 21 you will then see 4202 21 00 10 '-manufactured by hand' and 4202 21 00 90 '-other'.
   'Other' means made in a way other than by hand, i.e. machine-made.

Taric code 4202 21 00 10 is what you use to import handmade leather handbags into the EU. Do you import machine-made leather handbags? Then use TARIC code 4202 21 00 90.

If you click on the magnifying glasses behind the codes, you will see EU import duty rates and import measures. You can also indicate the country you want to import from under 'Country'. Then click on 'Consult'. You will then see what import duties and import measures apply to imports from that country.

The HS code is 4202 21. This code consists of the first six digits of the TARIC code. 

HS codes and commodity codes in foreign trade

HS codes, commodity codes, CN codes, Taric codes and Intrastat codes. Importers and exporters sometimes confuse these codes. Read what the differences are and why you need them. What the consequences are if you use the wrong codes. And how to get certainty about the correct commodity code for your product.

Can't figure it out? Our customs department is happy to help you!

General classification rules

There are six general classification rules for determining a commodity code. A mandatory order applies here. This means that you always start with classification rule one. According to this classification rule, you classify a product on the basis of the description of the product in a 'heading', i.e. the first four digits of the commodity code. In the two examples, the description 'handbags' can be found under heading 4202. So classifying handbags succeeds with classification rule one.

Does classifying your product in a commodity code not work with classification line one? Then see whether classification succeeds with line two and so on. 

Tools for finding commodity codes

Sometimes a product is not listed with the default name in the Usage Rate. Then finding the right HS code and commodity code is tricky. A 'laptop' or 'tablet', for example. These are defined as: 'portable automatic data-processing machines, weighing not more than 10 kg, comprising at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a monitor'.

Don't come across the name of your product in the Usage Rate? These tools will help you find the commodity code:

• Access2Markets from the European Commission.
  Here you will find descriptions and commodity codes of products within some product groups. For example, textiles, footwear, vegetables, fruit and nuts, plastics, computers and software.
• CN notes in TARBEL.
  TARBEL is the 'Tariff of Use' of Belgian customs. In TARBEL you will find files with explanatory notes on all CN codes. This means more explanations about products covered by CN codes, with examples. 
  Go to TARBEL and click on the 'CN notes' box at the bottom of the page. Then under 'Consolidated version', click on 'CN notes 2019 - consolidated version'.
• The European Binding Tariff Information database from the European Commission.
  Here you will find rulings by the customs authorities of EU member states on the classification of goods. Or binding tariff information (BTIs).
• Request HS codes from your foreign suppliers.
  Are you an importer? Then chances are your foreign suppliers know the HS codes and commodity codes of their products. For non-EU suppliers, assume the first six digits (HS code) of the goods codes they supply. The supplier may make a mistake in classifying products into the correct codes. Therefore, use these codes only as a clue in your search in the Usage Tariff for the correct Taric codes.
• Call our customs phone. Or ask our customs department for help!

Still finding it hard to find the right commodity code? Call our customs phone or mail our customs department. They are ready for you!