What is the Harmonized System (HS)?

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System generally referred to as "Harmonized System" or simply "HS" is a multipurpose international product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

The HS: a Multi-Purpose Tool

It is hard to imagine what effect a small six digit code could have on international efforts to reduce global warming; or in suppressing the activities of a criminal syndicate involved in the manufacture of synthetic drugs; or the capacity of a developing country to provide basic health care for its people.

Frequently asked questions

21 March 2024

In this section, you will find the frequently asked questions related to the Harmonized System and the answers to these questions. Here you will also find hyperlinks to parts of the WCO web site or other useful links, relating to the matter

List of Contracting Parties to the HS Convention and countries using the HS

The Harmonized System is used by more than 200 countries and economies as a basis for their Customs tariffs and for the collection of international trade statistics.

Position of Contracting Parties to the HS and non-Contracting Party Administrations

This publication contains a matrix with information regarding the position of the Contracting Parties to the Harmonized System Convention, and provides information about progress with the implementation of the latest version of the Harmonized System and the acceptance of the various HS-related Recommendations.