Major changes to commodity codes as of Jan. 1, 2025
As of Jan. 1, 2025, many things are changing in terms of commodity codes. The European Union has published the new Combined Nomenclature (CN), which means that a large number of items will have different commodity codes from this date. This may affect your administration and customs processes. So it is very important to implement the changes in your system in time to avoid delays and problems.
What will change?
The changes concern 49 new CN codes and 193 new TARIC codes. The Combined Nomenclature (CN) is an important system for classifying goods and determining customs duties. As of January 2025, businesses must use the correct codes when filing customs declarations. Incorrect codes can lead to customs delays, fines or even problems in an audit.
Check your commodity codes on time!
Customs has transposition tables HS code change information published that allow you to check which of your existing CN codes are changing. These tables help you quickly search for modified, expired or new codes that will come into effect from Jan. 1, 2025. The transposition tables are available free of charge on the Customs website under the "Use Rate" section. It is important to check your commodity codes in a timely manner and update your master data. This will prevent delays in the declaration process and ensure that you can prove in an audit that you have used the correct codes.
Tips for a smooth transition
To make sure you can switch to the new commodity codes without any problems, it's important to update your records on time. Here are some helpful tips:
- Check your commodity codes thoroughly: Use Customs' transposition tables to see which of your existing codes change. This prevents you from using incorrect codes, which can lead to delays or penalties.
- Update your master data: Make sure your system incorporates the new commodity codes so you can always provide the correct information on your customs declarations. Properly updated records also help with audits.
- Use commodity coding tools: There are several online tools and checklists available to help you classify goods correctly and set up your customs processes efficiently. Be sure to take advantage of these tools to make your transition smooth.
The coding system: Combined Nomenclature (CN) and TARIC
The Combined Nomenclature (CN) is the European Union's (EU) eight-digit coding system that goes beyond the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) codes. CN codes are used to determine customs duties and statistics for trade within the EU and with other countries worldwide.
In addition, the TARIC system is part of the EU's integrated tariff and serves as a communication tool between the European Commission and EU member states. Both systems are very important for a smooth and accurate customs process.
