Marcura Compliance utilizes the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, in conjunction with loading and discharging ports, for cargo screening purposes.
The HS code system, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and adopted by over 200 countries, offers a standardized classification method for commodities. It provides a standardized method of classifying commodities by assigning a unique numerical code to each product or product category. The codes are organized in a hierarchical structure, with each level providing increasingly detailed information about the product. HS codes are used by regulatory bodies, customs authorities, importers, exporters, and logistics providers to determine the specific category of a product for customs duties, tariffs, and statistical purposes.
HS codes consist of six digits, which can be further extended to include additional digits for more specific classification. The first two digits represent the chapter, which broadly categorizes products into 21 sections, such as animals, chemicals, machinery, textiles, etc. The next four digits provide more detailed classification within the chapter, specifying the product's characteristics, materials, or intended use.
For example, the HS code for "fresh bananas" is 0803.00, where 08 represents the chapter "Edible fruits and nuts," and 03 indicates the more specific category "Bananas.
The objective of The International Convention to facilitate international trade and improve the collection, comparison, and analysis of trade statistics. This was achieved through the harmonization of goods' description, classification, and coding in international trade. It is crucial to promote standardization in trade documentation and data transmission while supporting the monitoring of trade restrictions, such as dual-use goods, military goods, narcotics, chemical weapons, ozone layer depleting substances, luxury goods, and endangered species.
The HS Convention consists of a Preamble, 20 Articles, and an Annex. The Preamble explains the reasons behind the international community's support for the adoption of the HS. For more details and find HS codes list, please click here.