What is the Harmonized System (HS) and why it matters for Global Trade

In international trade, every product crossing a border must be accurately identified and documented. In the European Union, the Combined Nomenclature (CN) is the system that organizes this process, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and proper duty assessment. Understanding CN codes is more than an administrative chore—it’s essential to minimizing compliance risk, ensuring correct duty payments, and keeping global supply chains running smoothly.

1. What exactly is the EU’s Combined Nomenclature (CN)?

The Combined Nomenclature (CN) is the EU’s system for classifying goods for customs and statistical purposes. It builds upon the Harmonized System (HS) — an internationally standardized product nomenclature maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

• The first six digits of the CN align with the international HS codes, ensuring harmonization across trading partners worldwide.
• The CN adds a further two digits, making it an eight-digit code that the EU uses to define tariff rates, trade policies, and statistics
• This CN code forms the basis of TARIC (the EU’s integrated tariff and customs database), making it a ten-digit code that drives duty rates, import restrictions, and preferential trade agreements.

Outside of the EU, other jurisdictions have their own versions:

• The United States uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) with 10-digit codes.
• The United Kingdom operates its own system, closely mirroring the EU’s CN and TARIC.

• Countries like Brazil use the Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM), which is based on the HS system but includes additional digits and country-specific modifications to manage tariffs and trade policies within the Mercosur trade bloc

Each product, from electronics to textiles, chemicals to food, is assigned a specific CN (or equivalent) code that determines the applicable duties and regulatory requirements.

2. CN vs. HS: What’s the Difference? 

While the terms CN, TARIC and HS are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different roles:

The CN builds on the HS framework by adding EU-specific detail necessary for the bloc’s customs policies and trade controls.

3. Why Accurate Classification Matters

Accurate classification is the cornerstone of customs compliance and trade strategy. Small errors can have big consequences:

• Compliance risk: Misclassifications may trigger customs audits, fines, shipment delays, or even seizure.
• Duty accuracy: Each CN code carries a specific tariff rate; an incorrect digit can mean paying zero duty instead of a double-digit percentage -- or vice versa.
• Trade agreements: Eligibility for preferential tariffs under EU FTAs depends on accurate classification.
• Green Trade rules: new EU legislation like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) tie additional reporting and compliance obligations to specific CN codes
• Data integrity: CN codes feed into landed cost calculations, sourcing decisions, and financial reporting.

A single misclassification can cost thousands in unnecessary duties or expose your to duty underpayment and penalties. You may misjudge your exposure to CBAM and EUDR based on incorrect classifications. Precision pays.

4. How to Find the Right Classification Code

Proper classification requires more than keyword searches. A robust process should include:

• Understanding the product: Know its materials, function, and intended use.
• Reviewing TARIC chapters and headings: Start broadly and narrow down to specific subheadings.
• Consulting legal notes and rulings: Use EU TARIC notes and customs rulings (BTIs) for guidance.
• Documenting your rationale: Keep detailed written justifications to support audits.

Consistency and clear documentation are key to avoiding costly mistakes and withstanding regulatory scrutiny.

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even experienced importers slip up. Frequent errors include:

• Using supplier-provided codes without independent verification
• Overlooking material composition or product function
• Using outdated CN versions or ignoring updates
• Failing to apply the EU’s General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs)
• Neglecting to monitor annual TARIC changes

Regular internal training and classification audits go a long way in preventing costly missteps.

6. Keeping Up With Changes

The tariff evolves annually to reflect new products, technologies, and trade policies. Countries around the world update their tariff at least once per year. The EU usually publishes the new tariff just before the beginning of a new year in late December, whereas the US has generally published updates in October. Sometimes mid-year changes are published in June too.

Importers must monitor these changes and reassess classifications: especially for high-volume or high-value goods. Even minor updates can significantly affect duties and sourcing costs.

7. Final Thoughts

HS classification might seem technical, but it is the foundation of compliant and cost-effective global trade. Accurate classification ensures smooth customs clearance, proper duty payments, and reduces compliance risk.

Next Step: Bring Clarity to Your Classification Process

HS classification doesn’t have to be guesswork. 

At Veros, we combine AI-driven classification with automated workflows to help trade professionals make faster, more accurate, and defensible decisions; all while staying current with every tariff update across jurisdictions like the EU, UK, US, and Brazil.

Discover how intelligent automation can simplify your CN classification workflow, and keep your supply chain running smoothly.