Understanding the Difference: HS vs. CN Classification in International Trade

HS and CN classifications categorize goods for EU customs. They share similarities but diverge in detail, facilitating accurate product descriptions.

What is the difference between HS and CN classification?

The first six digits of the European Union's Combined Nomenclature (CN) are identical to the first six digits of the Harmonized System (HS). The difference between the codes only occurs from the seventh digit onwards, allowing for a more detailed categorization in the CN. This detailed categorization helps in providing clear and comprehensive information about your product.

What is the Combined Nomenclature (CN)?

The Combined Nomenclature, established under CN Regulation (2658/87), serves as the European Union's system for classifying traded goods. All goods imported to or exported from the EU must undergo classification for customs purposes and are assigned specific classification codes. The Combined Nomenclature (CN) provides general rules for classifying goods up to an eight-digit level and undergoes yearly updates, based on the Harmonized System (HS).

The Combined Nomenclature comprises:

• The Harmonized System nomenclature.
• Community subdivisions of this nomenclature, referred to as CN subheadings.
• Preliminary provisions, additional section or chapter notes, and footnotes related to CN subheadings. Each CN subheading is assigned an eight-digit code number, with the first six digits corresponding to the headings and subheadings of the Harmonized System nomenclature, and the seventh and eighth digits identifying the CN subheadings.

What is the Harmonised System (HS)?

The HS classification is uniform across all countries for the first 6 digits. Any country may choose to further expand this 6-digit classification to describe a product more specifically.

Typically, eight digits are deemed sufficient for customs purposes, although some countries may require 9, 10, or more digits to fully describe the imported product. However, the same 8-digit class may represent different products in different countries. For example, 2001.90.30 means "sweet corn" in the EU-27 classification and "beans" in the US classification.

As a general rule, tariff nomenclatures should be compared only at the 6-digit level. However, if the Harmonized System version deviates, there may be limitations to this comparison. Starting from the 6-digit level, it is possible to match codes by comparing product descriptions in additional subheadings. Nevertheless, there are also cases where products may be classified differently in different customs areas.

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Source: European Commission

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