GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Customs tariff numbers
Freight forwarders, customs brokers and trade compliance teams work with customs tariff numbers every day – the classification codes that place every product unambiguously within a global nomenclature.
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Source: https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx
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Definition & Explanation
Freight forwarders, customs brokers and trade compliance teams work with customs tariff numbers every day – the classification codes that place every product unambiguously within a global nomenclature. The first six digits follow the Harmonized System (HS) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and are internationally standardised. The EU's TARIC system extends these to ten digits to capture provisions such as anti-dumping duties and preferential tariff rates. From the tariff number, customs authorities derive the applicable duty rate, import VAT, quotas and any additional trade measures. Misclassification can result in duty recovery, financial penalties or detention of goods – making accurate tariff classification a core competency in any customs or trade compliance role.
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