HS Code vs CN Code vs TARIC – What Is the Difference?

What is an HS code?

The Harmonized System (HS) is the international system used to classify goods traded across borders.

It is developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization and is used as the foundation for customs tariff systems around the world.

At the internationally harmonized level, goods are classified using six digits.

A simplified way to understand the structure is:

• First 2 digits: Chapter
• First 4 digits: Heading
• 6 digits: HS subheading

The six-digit level allows customs administrations and businesses in different countries to use a common international classification framework.

However, countries and customs territories can extend the HS beyond six digits for their own tariff and statistical requirements.

That is exactly what the European Union does.

What is a CN code?

The Combined Nomenclature (CN) is the European Union's system for classifying goods.

It is based on the Harmonized System but adds further subdivisions.

A CN code consists of eight digits.

The first six digits originate from the HS, while digits seven and eight provide additional EU classification.

The Combined Nomenclature is used for purposes including customs declarations and EU trade statistics.

This means that knowing the six-digit HS code for a product does not necessarily give an EU importer the complete classification required for the goods.

The product may need to be classified further to determine the correct eight-digit CN code.

What is TARIC?

TARIC is the EU's integrated tariff.

It builds on the Combined Nomenclature and brings together tariff information and EU trade-policy measures that may apply to goods.

Depending on the product and origin, TARIC can provide information relating to measures such as:

• customs duties
• tariff preferences
• tariff quotas
• anti-dumping duties
• countervailing duties
• import or export restrictions
• surveillance measures
• certain licensing or documentation requirements

This is why determining a commodity code is not only about finding a customs duty rate.

The classification can determine which other measures apply when the goods enter or leave the European Union.

HS, CN and TARIC at a glance

HS is the foundation. CN makes it specific for the EU. TARIC connects the classification to the measures that apply.

Example – why six digits may not be enough

Imagine that a supplier outside the EU provides an importer with a six-digit HS code.

That information may be useful. But the EU importer may still need to determine:

1. whether the supplier's HS classification is correct
2. which eight-digit CN code applies
3. whether a more detailed TARIC subdivision is relevant
4. which EU measures apply to the product and origin

Simply copying the supplier's six-digit code can therefore leave part of the classification process unfinished.

Is an HS code the same worldwide?

At the six-digit international HS level, the system provides a common classification framework.

However, this does not mean that every complete commodity code is identical worldwide.

Individual countries and customs territories can create subdivisions beyond the six-digit HS level.

For example, the EU uses CN and TARIC, while other countries may use their own national tariff extensions.

This is one reason why a code supplied by a manufacturer in another country should not automatically be copied into an EU customs declaration without verification.

Which code do I need when importing into the EU?

For goods imported into the European Union, businesses generally need to determine the classification required by the EU customs tariff rather than stopping at the international six-digit HS level.

The correct classification depends on the product itself. Important information can include:

• what the product is
• what it is made from
• its primary function
• how it works
• technical specifications
• composition
• intended use
• whether it is complete, unfinished or part of another product

Once the product has been correctly classified, TARIC can be used to identify relevant tariff and trade measures.

Can I search for a product name in TARIC?

Product descriptions can be useful when searching, but classification should not be based only on the commercial name of a product. Our customs classification guide explains the wider reasoning process.

A product sold as a “smart controller”, “industrial module” or “machine component” could potentially fall under very different headings depending on its actual characteristics and function.

Correct tariff classification is based on the nomenclature and the applicable classification rules.

This is why technical product information is often more valuable than the marketing name.

What if my supplier gives me a TARIC or HS code?

Treat it as useful information – not automatic proof of the correct classification.

See how to verify a supplier-provided HS code before you reuse it →

Ask:

• What product information was used?
• Which customs territory was the classification made for?
• Is the product identical to the product being imported?
• Has the classification been verified against current rules?
• Can the classification be explained and supported?

A supplier may know the product extremely well but still use a classification created for another country's tariff system.

Why classification matters beyond customs duty

A common mistake is to think: “The duty rate is zero anyway, so the exact code doesn't matter.”

The classification can still matter.

Commodity codes can be connected to trade statistics, restrictions, tariff preferences, anti-dumping measures, quotas, licences and other regulatory requirements.

Even where two possible classifications have the same ordinary customs duty rate, they may not necessarily have the same regulatory consequences.

Correct classification is therefore part of customs compliance, not simply a way of calculating duty.

Can AI help determine HS, CN and TARIC codes?

AI can significantly speed up the initial analysis.

Instead of starting with a manual search through thousands of tariff headings, product information can be analysed to identify potentially relevant classifications.

IGLA Customs uses AI-assisted analysis to evaluate information such as product description, material, function and intended use.

The objective is to provide a fast preliminary classification and a better starting point for the customs decision.

For straightforward products, this can make classification considerably faster.

For complex or commercially important classifications, the analysis can be combined with review by a customs specialist.

When should I ask a customs specialist?

Specialist review can be particularly useful when:

• several headings appear possible
• the product has multiple functions
• the product is technically complex
• material or composition affects classification
• anti-dumping measures may be relevant
• substantial customs duties are involved
• permits or restrictions may depend on classification
• large volumes of the product will be imported
• the same classification will be reused across many shipments

For cases requiring greater legal certainty in the EU, businesses may also consider applying for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from an EU customs authority.

HS vs CN vs TARIC – the simple answer

If you only remember one thing, remember this:

• HS = international foundation
• CN = EU's eight-digit extension of HS
• TARIC = EU's integrated tariff connecting the classification with applicable tariff and trade measures

Finding the six-digit HS code is therefore often the starting point, not necessarily the end of the classification process.

For the broader classification process, read our HS Code Classification – How to Find the Correct HS Code guide.

Frequently asked questions