# customs tariff system

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> In international trade, the customs tariff system comes into effect the moment goods cross a customs frontier: it determines which duty rate applies, which trade agreements are relevant, and whether import restrictions are in force.

In international trade, the customs tariff system comes into effect the moment goods cross a customs frontier: it determines which duty rate applies, which trade agreements are relevant, and whether import restrictions are in force. The foundation is the Harmonized System (HS) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) – an internationally standardized nomenclature organizing commodities into chapters and headings, used by more than 200 countries. The European Union extends the six-digit HS to eight digits in the Combined Nomenclature (CN); for import declarations, TARIC adds two further digits to reach a ten-digit level. Every good is assigned exactly one code, which drives duty calculation, quota management, and trade policy measures. Freight forwarders, importers, and customs authorities rely on this system to classify goods correctly and lodge compliant declarations.

**Source:** [https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx](https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | customs tariff system |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 128 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx |

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