To identify problems related to goods when importing and exporting, Looking up HS Code is a quite important process. However, in fact, Not everyone knows how to look up HS codes correctly. Filling in incorrect HS code information brings many significant consequences to all parties.

Therefore, in this article, Logistics power will introduce to you How to look up HS Code in detail.

What is HS Code??

HS Code is the code of imported and exported goods according to the goods classification system called "Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System". The English name of this phrase is Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, abbreviated as HS Code.

HS Code is simply understood as the product classification code according to the List of Import and Export Goods. By using this code, You can determine export taxes in the process of importing and exporting goods and other policies related to goods, including commodity policies., risk management,…

When determining the HS Code of the goods, You will calculate the tax payable on your shipment. Besides, relevant procedures are identified.

If during customs clearance procedures, Applying this code incorrectly will lead to many consequences. For example, having to transmit and correct the declaration, Pay additional tax or request a tax refund, procedure, customs clearance delay,…

To avoid the above consequences from occurring, during the HS Code lookup process, you need to be careful, Apply the correct HS Code to avoid wasting time editing.

The importance of HS Code in import and export

HS Code List is data that ensures systematic and consistent classification of goods. This category is applicable in all countries, Agree to use a common system of terminology and customs language to help everyone understand.

Simultaneously, This category also simplifies the work of organizations, relevant individuals. Facilitate the negotiation of trade treaties as well as agreements between customs authorities of countries.

For government agencies, HS Code is a tool to identify the type of exported goods, import. To collect taxes and other obligations. Besides, HS Code is also data to enforce domestic laws and international treaties, Supports the analysis of micro/macro strategies, international trade negotiations.

For businesses, HS Code ensures compliance with domestic and foreign laws. If the HS Code classification is wrong, Business will take a lot of time, effort in delivery, valuation and risk of being fined due to costly costs. If the goods are classified correctly, Businesses will enjoy benefits from the FTA.

The most accurate way to look up HS Code

To look up HS Code accurately, You can refer to the following methods:

Refer to HS codes from experienced people

This is one of the most effective and fastest ways. If your company has someone with previous experience importing and exporting this item, you can ask quickly. By relying on information on old documents, You can get the customs declaration and check the HS Code information on it.

Besides asking colleagues, people from the same company, You can ask for information in the exporting country from the foreign seller. Although each country's HS Code is often not the same, However, it can still be the same as the first 4 to 6 numbers. Since, You can now refer to the information you need.

Look up the Import-Export Tariff

To look up results quickly, You should combine soft files and printed tax books.

You can look up the code on the excel file in the following way: Open the tax schedule file on excel software, Press Ctrl + F to search for the product name to see if there is a specific code for the type of product you are looking for. If you find the code you are looking for, the code lookup is complete.

For example: You need to find the HS Code for the item "ping pong table": Open the tax schedule file, search for the phrase “table tennis”, results will appear in group 9506; Scroll down and you will see the subgroup "950640 – Tools and equipment for table tennis”; Continue looking down, You will see the specific code of “ping pong table”; HS Code 9506 4010.

For some simple items with specific codes, You can look up easily via Excel. However, if the desired result is not found or the result is not satisfactory, You can look up HS Code online below.

Look up HS Code online

To look up HS Code, You can search through a number of specialized websites in the field of import and export customs procedures.

Look up the HS Code bieuthue.net

Bieuthue.net is a website that can only look up the first page for free. However, They also provide users with many convenient features. This website compiles product descriptions from any customs declaration court.

If you type a commodity keyword into the search box and press Enter, You will receive a table listing the HS Code and product description. When using bieuthue.net, outside the HS Code, You can also refer to other information about the goods to describe the goods accurately.

Based on that, You will know the accuracy of that item's HS Code. Thanks to that, The data checking process will be faster and more accurate.

Look up the HS Code hssearch.net

To use the website hssearch.net, You have to pay to log in. If you want to use all its features, You need to pay a membership fee to use it. Although the membership registration fee is quite high (200.000 VND/year) But we cannot deny the usefulness that this website brings.

To use this website, You need to log in and type search keywords into the search box. For example: when typing “table tennis racket” into the search box, you will get results: code 95064090 for racket, racket blade, and racket surface.

>>> See more: What is MNF? Detailed instructions on the steps of declaration MNF

Note when looking up HS Code

Actually, You can't always look up the HS Code quickly. Some cases to note when looking up HS codes are as follows:

• The first, Could not look up positive results

When you can't look up positive results, You must open each chapter in the paper tariff book to look up again or go to the page of the General Department of Customs to look up if you don't have the book..

Besides, You can rely on your own experience to eliminate chapters that you know are not suitable.

Then gradually narrow the search scope, select object, select chapter, group, the most suitable grouping.

• Monday, Look up multiple potentially correct results

If you look up many results, they are likely correct, You have to base it on the use, material,… of goods to choose suitable results. Simultaneously, Based on the rules to look up the HS Code.

By using code lookup rules, You will find the exact product code. Applying the code correctly will ensure authenticity, reliability of goods.

To classify goods and look up HS Code quickly, you need to understand the nature, characteristic, use, composition,… of that goods. To determine the necessary information, You can rely on photos, document, catalog or experience it directly, Observe the product.

Rules for applying HS Code

According to Circular No. 156/2011/TT-BTC, There are 6 rules for applying HS Code you need to know. Specifically:

Rule 1

Part, Chapter, Chapters are concepts given for ease of reference. However, to ensure legality, The classification of goods must be determined based on the content of each group and the notes of Section, Related chapters.

Name of Section, Chapter, Chapters are for general orientation only, There is not enough basis to classify goods.

Some important factors in classification include::

• Contents of the product group and any Section notes, Related chapters;
• The provisions in rule 2, 3, 4, 5 when the group content or notes have no other requirements.

For example: HS Code of “Circus Elephant”.

• Determining applicable commodity areas is Chapter 1: Live animals;
• Read the area legend: according to Note 1c of Chapter 1, excluding animals of chapter 95.08;
• Read chapter 95.08, See the chapter commentary: identified "circus elephants" belonging to group 9508 and has HS Code of 95081000.

Rule 2

Rule 2a

When an item is classified into a certain product group, if the article already has its essential character when completed or perfected, Even if the item is incomplete or unfinished, it still belongs to that group.

When an item is in complete or finished form, or has its essential characteristics when complete or finished but not assembled or disassembled, then that item is also classified as finished or finished goods according to the content of this rule.

For example: Bicycles that are incomplete due to lack of pedals are still classified as bicycles. The bike is disassembled, still classified under the bicycle code.

Note:

• Importing disassembled synchronization and applying disassembled synchronization code as above will not require importing goods at the same time. However, the list of imports of disassembled goods must be registered with customs.
• If the purpose of import is to synchronize and disassemble, but when importing, declare and apply the part code, không áp mã sản phẩm do không đăng ký danh mục trên. When there is an inspection, Businesses will be fined.

Products that are “embryos”, has not been put into use yet, có hình dáng giống với hàng hóa hoàn thiện, sử dụng với mục đích là hoàn thiện nó thành sản phẩm hoàn chỉnh của nó. At that time, phôi được áp mã như sản phẩm hàng chỉnh.

Rule 2b

One ingredient, A substance classified in a certain group is a mixture or mixture of that material or substance with other materials or substances also belonging to that group..

Goods made entirely of one type of material or substance, or partly made up of materials or substances which are classified in the same heading.

This means: Substance A belongs to group 1, B belongs to group 1 => Compounds A + B also belong to group 1.

Rule 3

Goods made of two materials or substances become subject to rule 3. Specifically:

Rule 3a

Specific groups will be given priority over general descriptive groups when classifying goods. If two or more groups each concern only a part of the materials contained in mixed goods, then these groups represent equal characteristics of the goods..

Rule 3b

Mixed goods consisting of many different materials that cannot be classified according to rule 3a can be classified according to materials or component parts..

Rule 3c

1 product from many parts (The parts are in many groups)

Applicable when:

• When Rule 3a does not apply) or 3b), hàng hóa sẽ được phân loại theo Quy tắc 3(c).
• A product is made up of many parts, but these parts are in different groups.

According to this Rule, goods will be classified into the group with the last order among the groups considered for classification..

Rule 4

Goods that cannot be classified according to the above rules may be classified into the group with the most similar characteristics.

• Compare goods to be classified with previously classified goods.
• Determining similarity can be based on many factors: as described, characteristic, nature, Intended use of the goods...
• After being compared, goods will be placed in the group of goods that are most similar to them.

Vd: Yeast in pill form, If used like a drug, it is applied to drug code 30.04

Rule 5

Rule 5a

Các loại bao đựng hàng hóa như bao đựng máy ảnh, musical instrument, gun holster, dụng cụ vẽ được phân loại theo cùng với sản phẩm bên trong.

Vd: Jewelry box (Group 71.13);

Electric shaver carrying case (Group 85.10);

Binocular case, telescope box (Group 90.05);

Box, musical instrument cases and bags (Group 92.02);

• However, This principle does not apply to packaging that is inherently superior to the goods it contains.
• If this packaging box is imported separately and not with the product, the code will be applied according to the appropriate group and not according to the product code.

Rule 5b

Quy tắc này qui định việc phân loại bao bì thường được dùng để đóng gói chứa đựng hàng hóa, imported with the goods (like nylon bags, cardboard box…), HS code is applied according to the goods. However, This rule does not apply to reusable metal packaging.

Rule 6

To ensure correctness, Classifying goods into commodity groups needs to be determined according to the grouping content and have clear explanations. In terms of ensuring grouping, it is necessary to be at the same level for comparison and application to suit reality.

Conclude

Hopefully the above sharing will help you in the process of looking up the HS Code of your goods.

To understand concepts and information related to import and export of goods, don't forget to follow Logistics power please!

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