GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Customs Coding Procedure
Freight forwarders, importers, and customs declarants use the customs coding procedure to assign every shipment its correct tariff classification under the Harmonized System (HS) – a legal requirement for each cross-border movement.
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Source: https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx
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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system
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Definition & Explanation
Freight forwarders, importers, and customs declarants use the customs coding procedure to assign every shipment its correct tariff classification under the Harmonized System (HS) – a legal requirement for each cross-border movement. The process begins with analysing product characteristics against the official nomenclature and explanatory notes, and concludes with a documented tariff number entered on the customs declaration. That number governs the applicable duty rate, import restrictions, and any anti-dumping measures in force. Misclassification constitutes a breach of customs law and can trigger duty recovery, fines, and cargo holds. The coding procedure is distinct from customs valuation, which concerns the declared transaction value; together, both form the complete basis for calculating the customs debt.
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