GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
customs tariff system
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.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx
Category
Find a matching partner on this lane
Reading time
1 min
Words
128
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
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.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Connect
Find a matching partner on this lane
Verified forwarders, ranked by coverage and profile — premium capped at 10%.
Related News
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.