HS, CN, TARIC and HTS codes: which is which?
The same goods are referenced by a tariff code of different length depending on the destination country. They all share a 6-digit HS core; countries add their own digits on top.
The shared core: the HS code (6 digits)
The Harmonized System (HS) is a 6-digit universal classification developed by the World Customs Organization and used by 200+ countries. The first 6 digits of every national code are identical.
EU: CN (8) and TARIC (10)
- CN (Combined Nomenclature): HS + 2 digits = the 8-digit EU code.
- TARIC: CN + 2 digits = the 10-digit EU integrated tariff; it carries duty, suspension, anti-dumping and quota information.
United States: HTS (10 digits)
The US adds its own digits on top of HS to use the 10-digit HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule). The structure differs, but the first 6 digits are still HS.
Turkey: GTİP (12 digits)
Turkey adds national and statistical digits on top of HS (6) + EU CN (8) to use the 12-digit GTİP. When exporting, you must also map the destination country’s code correctly.
FAQ
Is the HS code the same in every country?
The first 6 digits are universal. Later digits vary by country (TARIC in the EU, HTS in the US, GTİP in Turkey).
Where do I look up a TARIC code?
On the European Commission’s TARIC consultation page, by product description.
Check your declaration automatically
BeyanKontrol compares the declaration against the invoice, packing list and origin documents in seconds, flagging mismatches with the reason.
Get started