What is a commodity code?

The customs commodity code serves as a unique identifier of goods and is a prerequisite for a successful import or export. The commodity code provides information on possible customs duties, restrictions, and preferences. It’s important to identify the correct customs commodity code, since it affects the amount of customs duties to be paid.

The customs commodity code consists of up to 11 digits used by customs authorities worldwide to identify goods subject to customs. Imports require 11-digit commodity codes, and exports require 8-digit commodity codes.

This code number is based on the Harmonized System (HS), which is administered by the World Customs Organization (WTO). The Harmonized System defines the first six digits of the code number and applies in all WTO member states. The HS code is used to classify the goods, on the basis of which taxes and customs duties are calculated.

The seventh and eighth digits are the European Community’s Combined Nomenclature (CN), which contains special EU-specific subdivisions.

The ninth and tenth digits are the TARIC code (customs tariff database) and contain the EU’s uniform customs duty for goods.

The eleventh digit is used for country-specific purposes such as bans or restrictions.