| Without the harmonized code, the world of international | | | | independent intergovernmental organization has more |
| trade would be filled with inconsistencies and there | | | | than 170 member countries using their system, |
| would be no way to quickly and universally classify | | | | affecting almost all of the international trade across the |
| goods and materials being shipped through customs | | | | globe. |
| across international borders. But thanks to the work | | | | Since there are so many HS tariff classification |
| of the World Customs Organization, each item has its | | | | number definitions and so many revisions being made |
| own HS tariff classification number that is used during | | | | to the code from one year to the next, it is important |
| its import or export. And with the improved software | | | | to have an effective tool to search for current |
| tools available, it is easier than ever to perform an HS | | | | codes. This is why there are HS code search |
| code search whenever you need to determine what | | | | software programs that can be used to code goods |
| the correct code definition is out of the thousands that | | | | and materials before confidentially transmitting the |
| are available. | | | | data. And this data is treated as law enforcement |
| The Harmonized code, or Harmonized Commodity | | | | sensitive so it is protected under the Trade Secrets |
| Description and Coding System, is the international | | | | Act. When the incorrect data is transmitted, |
| standard for reporting goods to customs and other | | | | however, it can result in additional fines and penalties |
| government agencies. The World Customs | | | | that can really slow down a business or organization |
| Organization, formerly known as the Customs | | | | to say the least. |
| Co-operation Council, was responsible for creating the | | | | Fortunately, the leading HS code search tools on the |
| code and is still responsible for maintaining the code | | | | market today make it easier than ever to navigate this |
| from its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The | | | | tricky coding system that is integral to global trading. |