[HS code]Five Tips on Products Classification Help You Inquiry HSCODE Easily

There is always a misunderstanding when customs want to inquiry HSCODE by providing only product name. Well, the result is that you can never get the answer you want. Below are some of attainment experiences based on my ten years’ understanding of HSCODE that I want to share with you.

1. Full Name Classification
To classify one finished product, the first choice is to adopt full name classification which means one finished product name is in complete accord with one code in HSCODE. For instance, both frozen ox tongue and frozen ox liver have unique codes of 02062100 and 02062200. However, these cases are relatively rare and HSCODE can’t include articles all over the world. Moreover one product may vary in different names. Therefore, if you want to inquiry product’s classification, do provide as much as detailed information such as products’ name, usage, method of application, material, ingredient etc.

2、 Products Classification on usage
If one product name isn’t accord with any code in HSCODE, you can apply to product’s classification in accordance with product’s usage. For instance, Gree Splits-system Air Conditioner belongs to Machinery and Mechanical Appliances in Chapter 84. By narrowing down its scope, you can search from Air conditioning Apparatus with HSCODE 8415 and finally you will find 84151021.00(split-system of a refrigerating effect not exceeding 4000 Cal per hour) is the code of Gree Splits-system Air Conditioner. The above condition accounts for a larger percentage of import and export commodities.

3. Complex Classification (Classification on Ingredient)
If one finished product has different kinds of ingredients and moreover none code is found corresponding to HSCODE, you can classify the product based on materials or parts that constitute the basic feature of the product. For instance, no corresponding code is found for metal clothes horse through above two classification methods, so the best way is to classify it based on its material. For instance, Articles of Iron or Steel is in Chapter 73 and code of Other Articles of Iron and Steel is 7236, therefore iron clothes horse is applied to either 73262090.00 (Iron or Steel Products for None-technical Use) or 73269090.00(Other Iron or Steel Products for None-technical Use). Therefore, providing as much as products detailed information including its material and ingredients will be great help to you inquiry. Eg to provide voltage or power for electronic appliance products and type or size for vehicles products.

4. Products Classification on the latter priority of tariff Item
In the third condition that one finished product matches with several codes, we usually prefer for the one placing well back in tariff item. Take steel clothes horse for example, you should choose 73269090.00 as its HSCODE.

5. Proximate classification
Proximate classification is the method that chooses a nearest code to product classification. With the dramatic advance in technology, new products are regularly coming out that bring troubles in its classification.

As for this circumstance, you have to define a nearest to classification on a basis of its usage firstly and then material or ingredient. Finding a professional customs declaration agency with abundant experience and good social relationship will also increase efficiency in customs declaration.