Changes include approximately 350 sets of amendments to the existing HS Nomenclature (2017 version). Some of the categories relevant to ecommerce that are affected include textiles, machinery, articles of metal, articles of wood, and plastics.
If you ship products within any of the impacted chapters discussed above, the HS updates are likely to affect you. You could become noncompliant with local standards, possibly resulting in miscalculated duties, import delays, or fines.
On a higher level, these are the industries most impacted by the 2022 WCO updates:
Although the recipient is technically responsible for the correct HS code being applied to the goods in the shipment, it is best practice for you as the exporter to ensure the HS code accuracy. Otherwise, the consequences of an outdated HS code (rejected or held shipment, fines incurred, etc.) will cause a negative customer experience and reflect badly on you as the seller. Therefore, always assume the responsibility of accurately classifying your goods as yours, and do everything you can to stay compliant.
Here are some tips for HS code compliance:
Keeps all data current
Classify’s database houses up-to-date tariff data sourced by our in-house team of global trade experts. Classify will actively consume and map affected HS codes to the updated codes as they become available, and will continue to update them throughout the year as countries publish their changes.
Classify product update
The new Zonos Dashboard tools for Classify help with classification through the following features:
Classify - Dynamically harmonize your product catalog with Zonos Classify.
2022 WCO country implementation tracker - See a list of the 183 countries that belong to the World Customs Organization and which countries have implemented the new 2022 HS codes.
2022 HS updates
Learn what has changed in 2022Learn about the 2022 Harmonize System updates and how to stay compliant.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) releases an amended version of the Harmonized System (HS) every five years, and countries update their own codes within the year of the update. January 2022 marks the latest five-year update. The Harmonized System has begun rolling out amendments in January 2022, and as a retailer or anyone involved in global trade, you must be aware of the changes you need to make regarding international sales and imports.
This guide gives an overview of the changes, who is affected, HS compliance tips, and links to helpful resources.