In this issue, SITPRO’s helpdesk advisors explain commodity codes.
Q. I am a first-time exporter and have been asked to supply a commodity code. Can you tell me what it is and how I can get one?
A. Commodity codes are numeric codes which classify goods for Customs purposes. Countries may extend the commodity code (also sometimes know as the Harmonised System (HS) number) to eight or ten digits for Customs purposes and to eight or ten digits for export purposes.
HMRC's Tariff Classification Service (telephone: 01702 366077) can provide non legally binding codes for up to 3 items per call. Additionally, commodity codes can now be found online, via the Business Link website. For further details, please see http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/tariff.
If you wish to apply for a 'BTI' (Binding Tariff Information) which is a written tariff classification decision, given upon request (and which is legally binding on all Customs administrations within the EU for up to six years from the date of issue) you should, in the first instance, contact the Tariff Classification Service on the above number.
Obtaining a BTI for the correct tariff classification for your goods is beneficial for your business in that it provides the utmost certainty that you are declaring the correct commodity code for your goods on the Customs entry and helps you to meet your legal obligations in respect of correct tariff classification ensuring that your liability for duties, VAT and other charges or your eligibility for certain refunds (such as CAP), are known in advance.
If you need help with a trade procedures query, call the Helpdesk on
020 7215 8150 or email helpdesk@sitpro.org.uk 
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Return to SITPRO News: Issue 67, Winter 2008/2009