Learn how to obtain and verify your Harmonised Systems Code (HS Code).
How to obtain and verify HS Codes for my products.
Many importers and exporters usually have a hard time obtaining or deciding on the right HS Code classification for their items. This brief white paper would address all challenges regarding HS Code for your items, assist on how to know what regulatory document is required using the HS Codes and the importance of knowing the appropriate HS Code for your product.
Firstly, what really are HS Codes?
The World Customs Organisation has put together a classification of commodities in International Supply chain. This classification or system of coding is what is referred to as Harmonised Systems Code (HS Code) and is used by Customs regime of all member countries such as the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
It covers over 5,000 commodity groups, each identified by a six-digit code. The system is used by more than 200 countries as a basis for their own customs tariffs and for international trade statistics.
Please note, some countries add extra digits to cover specific descriptions applicable to how they want to classify products. For some countries additional codes are used to add further descriptions, so it is wise to check if this applies to your product.
So, you can follow this link to view the HS Codes according to the Nigerian Tariff Code: https://trade.gov.ng/tariff/search.do
You can search with either keywords of the item or HS Code received from exporter, clearing agent, bank etc.
Once you are on this website you will need to find a description that is the closest to your product. Please note that sometimes you will not be able to find an exact description, so there are options for you to use the description “other” in these cases.
Asides from the HS Code being used by the NCS for tariff, it also enables the importer to determine what agency certificate is needed for importation. i.e if NAFDAC Permit, SONCAP or any other regulatory document required for importation of that product, the importer can also view the duty payable for their products.
To check if your duty payable and if products are regulated under the SONCAP Programme, you can follow this link: https://trade.gov.ng/son/simulation/home.do
Simply search with keyword or minimum of 4-digit HS Code to verify if you would need to apply for a Product / SONCAP Certificate with Cotecna.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact us