In recent years, HS Code is increasingly demanded on the Import Bill of Lading by many countries. Specifically, APL requires customers to provide HS Code before booking cargoes.
What is HS Code？
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as the Harmonized System (HS) of tariff nomenclature is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers to classify traded products.
It came into effect in 1988 and has since been developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), an independent intergovernmental organization based in Brussels, Belgium, with over 200 member countries.
Notice from APL
Customs authorities worldwide are increasingly demanding for Harmonized System code (HS code, also known as HTS code) in the cargo manifest.
To ensure compliance, APL is enhancing its system to capture this detail when APL confirms a shipment booking with each customer.
New rules on HS Code
Lately, Russia and Jordan have carried out new rules on HS Code of goods exported to their countries successively.
To Russia
HS Code in 6 digits
According to Russian Customs, HS Code is needed for all goods shipped or transshipped to Russia.
If there is mixed stowage which is involved in different HS Codes, information of each kind of goods should be sent separately based on HS Code types in case of Customs punishment caused by false declaration.
To Jordan
HS Code in 4 digits
According to Jordan Customs, HS Code is needed for all goods exported to Jordan.
If there is mixed stowage which is involved in different HS Codes, information of each kind of goods should be sent separately based on HS Code types in case of Customs punishment caused by false declaration. The rule will come into effect from May 1 this year.
The number of digits
Basically, requirements on the number of digits of HS Code vary from region to region. It means that shipper should distinguish the requirements in different regions for the sake of ensuring their commodities to be shipped to the destination successfully.
Asia
Europe
Africa
Australia
North America
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