1. Historical Background And Evolution of the Harmonized System

2. Overall Goal of this training;
To be able to classify all tradable goods using the provisions of the HS Nomenclature

3. Overall Course objectives
To outline the historical background of the HS
To identify the structure of the HS
To apply the principles of classification-GIRS/Legal notes

4. lesson objectives To define different terminologies
To outline the Background of the HS
To identify the uses and users of the HS

5. DEFINITIONS Nomenclature:
A system of naming and categorizing objects in a particular science, discipline or art in a given category

6. Definition cont..d Tariff means;
A system of duties imposed by the government of a country upon goods imported or exported.
A customs tariff shows how much duty is payable on imported or exported goods.

7. Definition cont..d
Classification is the act of placing goods into the correct category.
Customs Classification refers to a particular category in the Nomenclature in which a product is classified or categorized.

8. Definitions cont..d International trade;
Exchange of goods between two or more countries.
The Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (HS)
International system for classifying goods for trade purposes

9. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Harmonized System took more than 100 years to be designed.
Aim was to facilitate international trade
Classification according to their alphabetical order

10. Historical background cont..d
In , an International Statistical Nomenclature (ISN)
Approved by an International Convention and signed by 29 countries

11. Historical background cont..d
It consisted of 186 items, arranged in
five groups;
Live animals
Food and beverages
Raw and simply prepared materials
Manufactured goods
Gold and Silver

12. Historical background cont..d
League of Nations Conference 1927
Draft Nomenclature produced 1931(Geneva Nomenclature)
The Nomenclature had 991 headings grouped in 86 Chapters

13. Historical background cont..d
The Chapters were arranged into 21 Sections
Revised in 1937
Development stopped by war II

14. Brussels Tariff Nomenclature
European customs study group continued to work on Geneva nomenclature.
Draft named Brussels Tariff Nomenclature (BTN)
1974- (BTN) renamed ‘The Customs Cooperation Council Nomenclature’ (CCCN).

15. CCCN CCCN had 1241 Headings Grouped into 99 Chapters
Arranged in 21 Sections

16. CCCN CCCN is supported by:
I. Explanatory Notes for official interpretation
II. Alphabetical index listing
III. A compendium of classification opinion

17. CCCN
1983 CCCN was replaced by the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.
The Harmonized System entered into force.

18. Uses of HS A common Nomenclature is used to
classify goods in the course of
International trade for
Customs duties
Statistics

19. Uses of HS cont..d
Origin of goods
Controlled goods
Trade barriers

20. Advantages of Harmonised System
Uniform and Consistent
No re-classification
Standardised Customs terminology
Facilitate statistical analysis

21. HS Users Governments International Organisations
Importers and exporters

22. Users cont..d
Manufacturers
Traders
Shipping agents
Transporters

23. Users cont..d
Port Authorities
Statisticians

24. HS Convention Members of WCO Use HS in the Annex
Use HS as basis for Customs
Administer HSC

25. HSC cont..d Settlement for Classification Questions and Dispute
Updating
HSC came in force 1 January, HS codes

26. HS updates 1992 Editorial amendment HS codes 5018
1996 The Second update 393 sets of amendments HS codes
2002 The Third update 374 sets of amendments. HS codes 5224

27. Updates 2007 Fourth update. 354 sets of amendments. 5052 HS codes
2012 Fifth update. 220 sets of amendments HS codes.

28. Conclusion
HS is used by Over 200 countries and economic blocks or Customs unions
The Harmonised System Convention currently has 141 contracting parties as at 30th March 2012 according to HS WCO official documents.

29. THE END
Thank you