What is the Harmonized System(HS)?

The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized system of names (description) and numbers (codes) for classifying traded goods.

The HS is a product nomenclature where each product is assigned its corresponding “6-digit”
code.

It was developed and presently maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO)
(formerly known as the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC)) headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The HS nomenclature is annexed to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.

It was developed to facilitate international trade by establishing a uniform system for
the collection, comparison and analysis of international trade statistics.

It was established in 1983 and entered into force in 1988.

Under this Convention, contracting parties are obligated to base their tariff schedules
on the HS nomenclature, although parties set their own rates of duty.

Countries that have adopted the Harmonized System are not permitted to alter in any way the descriptions associated to a heading or a subheading nor can the numerical codes at the four or six digit levels be altered.

This is what keeps the Harmonized System harmonized.

Individual countries may extend a Harmonized System code to eight or ten digits for customs
purposes.

More than 200 countries, customs and economic unions, representing more than 98% of world trade use the HS.

Primary uses of the Harmonized System

• Determination of customs tariffs (import duty)
• Collection of international trade statistics
• Rules of origin
• Ascertain eligibility of a product under a Free Trade Agreement
• Compliance with customs requirements
• Collection of government revenue
• Trade negotiations (e.g. the WTO schedule of tariff concessions)
• Monitoring prohibited and restricted goods

Composition of the Harmonized System

Source: WCO

Here is an example of the structure of the harmonized system in Section 10(X)

Sections

– The HS is primarily divided into 21 Sections

Example

• Section I: Live Animals; Animal Products
• Section VII: Plastics and Articles Thereof Rubber and Articles Thereof
• Section XV: Base Metals and Articles of Base Metal
• Section XVII: Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels and Associated Transport Equipment

*The titles of Sections, Chapters and Subchapters are not legally binding
– They are for ease of reference only
– They are “pointers” or “labels” used to divide up the nomenclature.
– Help in directing you to areas of the nomenclature.
– They should not be quoted to support classification.

Example: Section XV is entitled “base metal and articles of base metal”
-However, many articles of base metal are classified in other Sections.

Chapters

– Sections are divided into Chapters
– There are 99 Chapters under the HS
– However, Chapter 77 is reserved for future use, while Chapters 98 & 99 are reserved for special uses by contracting parties to the HS Convention

Source: PHILIPPINE TARIFF COMMISSION

• Goods under chapters 1 to 83 are generally classified according to
material of manufacture.
• Goods under chapter 84 to 96 are generally classified according to
function

Headings

– Chapters are divided into headings
– Headings are assigned with four-digit codes

Source: PHILIPPINE TARIFF COMMISSION

Subheadings

– Headings are further divided into subheadings
– HS subheadings are assigned with six-digit codes

For example, the HS code for Milled rice is 1006.30

Source: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan

The full HS code for Milled rice is

1006.30.xxxx

■The first two digits 10
The first two digits are referred to as the Chapter to which the product belongs.
Here rice comes under chapter 10, which is ‘Cereals’.

■The first four digits 1006
The first four digits are referred to as the Heading.
Here rice comes under Heading 1006, which is ‘Rice’.

■The first six digits 1006.30
The first six digits are referred to as the SubHeading.
Here rice comes under SubHeading 1006.30, which is ‘Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed:’.

■The entire digits 1006.30.10xx
The final 4 digits shown here in Green 1006.30.xxxx are country-specific and are assigned by individual countries.
Custom duties are assigned on entire codes, so without these last Green part digits determining the custom duty applicable on your products would not be possible.

How to classify HS code

In order to determine the HS code, we need to get a full and accurate description.
Here are basic questions to ask in determining the identity of items:

• Where is it used? (LOCATION)
• What material or substance is it made of? (MATERIAL)
• What is its function or use? (FUNCTION)
• In what form/spec is it imported? (SPECIFICATION)
• Is this the only possible classification?

Example: Classify “HOOD ASSY”

– Location: Car Body
– Material: Metal
– Function: Car Hood

Therefore it belongs to…
• Section XVII
• Chapter 87
• Heading 8708
• Subheading 870829

Apply the Sections, Chapter and Subchapter Notes

A commodity can be classified either by:
– Terms of the Heading
– Notes to the Sections, Chapters or Subheadings
– The General Interpretative Rules (GRI)

The Legal Notes which appear in front of most Sections and Chapters are known as Section Notes and Chapter Notes which has a legal force to determine HS code.

Source: PHILIPPINE TARIFF COMMISSION

The Legal Notes for each Section and Chapter provide:
– Exclusions
– Definitions
– Classification Provisions
– Limitations of Scope

Example of Exclusions

Note 1 Chapter 87　

• This chapter does not cover railway or tramway rolling-stock designed solely
for running on rails.

• Heading 8712 includes all children’s bicycles. Other children’s cycles fall in
heading 9503.

Another example:

Source: PHILIPPINE TARIFF COMMISSION

Example of Definitions

Note 2 Chapter 87

– For the purposes of this chapter, “tractors” means vehicles constructed essentially for hauling or pushing another vehicle, appliance or load, whether or not they contain subsidiary provision for the transport, in connection with the main use of the tractor, of tools, seeds,fertilizers or other goods.

– Machines and working tools designed for fitting to tractors of heading 8701 as interchangeable equipment remain classified in their respective headings even if presented with the tractor, and whether or not mounted on it.

Another example:

Source: PHILIPPINE TARIFF COMMISSION

Example of Classification Provisions

– These notes establish the classification of certain goods.
– Example: Note 4 to section XVII establishes the classification of “amphibious motor vehicles”

Note 4 to Section XVII
For the purposes of this section: (b) Amphibious motor vehicles are classified under the appropriate heading of chapter 87;

Another example:

Source: PHILIPPINE TARIFF COMMISSION

For example, Notes 2, 3 and 4 to Chapter 31 together provide an exhaustive list the products that fall to be classified as fertilisers in headings 31.02, 31.03 and 31.04. In comparison, Note 3 to Chapter 86 specifies some of the railway and tramway track fixtures and fittings covered by heading 86.08.

Example of Limitations of Scope

– These notes limit the scope of goods to be classified in the section.
– Example: Note 2 to section XVII (which limits the scope of the expressions “Parts” and “Parts and accessories”).

Note 2 to section XVII
The expressions “parts” and “parts and accessories” do not apply to the following articles, whether or not they are identifiable as for the goods of this section:

Another example:

Source: PHILIPPINE TARIFF COMMISSION

Entire Structure of the HS

Ch.1	Live animals.	Sec I notes  \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.2	Meat and edible meat offal.	Sec I notes  \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.3	Fish and  other aquatic invertebrates.	Sec I notes  \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.4	birds’ eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal	Sec I notes  \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.5	Products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified	Sec I notes  \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.6	Live trees and other plants	Sec II notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.7	vegetables and certain roots and tubers.	Sec II notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.8	fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons.	Sec II notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.9	Coffee, tea, maté and spices.	Sec II notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.10	Cereals.	Sec II notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.11	Products of the milling industry; malt; starches	Sec II notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.12	Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains	Sec II notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.13	Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts.	Sec II notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.14	Vegetable products not elsewhere specified	Sec II notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.15	Animal or vegetable fats and oils and other products	Sec III  \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.16	Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans	Sec IV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.17	Sugars and sugar confectionery.	Sec IV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.18	Cocoa and cocoa preparations.	Sec IV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.19	Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk	Sec IV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.20	Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other plants.	Sec IV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.21	Miscellaneous edible preparations.	Sec IV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.22	Beverages, spirits and vinegar.	Sec IV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.23	Residues and waste from the food industries	Sec IV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.24	Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes	Sec IV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.25	Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials	Sec V \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.26	Ores, slag and ash	Sec V \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.27	Mineral fuels, mineral oils	Sec V \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.28	Inorganic chemicals	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.29	Organic chemicals	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.30	Pharmaceutical products	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.31	Fertilisers	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.32	Tanning or dyeing extracts	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.33	Essential oils and resinoids	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.34	Soap, organic surface-active agents	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.35	Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.36	Explosives; pyrotechnic products	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.37	Photographic or cinematographic goods	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.38	Miscellaneous chemical products	Sec VI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.39	Plastics and articles thereof	Sec VII notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.40	Rubber and articles thereof	Sec VII notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.41	Raw hides and skins	Sec VIII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.42	Articles of leather;bags	Sec VIII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.43	Furskins and artificial fur	Sec VIII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.44	Wood and articles of wood	Sec IX \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.45	Cork and articles of cork	Sec IX \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.46	anufactures of straw, of esparto or of other plaiting materials	Sec IX \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.47	Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material	Sec X \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.48	Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp	Sec X \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.49	Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products	Sec X \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.50	Silk	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.51	Wool, fine or coarse animal hair	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.52	Cotton	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.53	Other vegetable textile fibres	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.54	Man-made filaments	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.55	Man-made staple fibres	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.56	Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.57	Carpets and other textile floor coverings	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.58	Special woven fabrics; tufted textile fabrics	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.59	Impregnated, coated, covered or laminated textile fabrics	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.60	Knitted or crocheted fabrics	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.61	Articles of apparel , knitted	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.62	Articles of apparel , not knitted	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.63	Other made up textile articles	Sec XI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.64	Footwear, gaiters and the like	Sec XII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.65	Headgear and parts thereof	Sec XII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.66	Umbrellas, walking-sticks	Sec XII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.67	articles made of feathers ;artificial flowers	Sec XII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.68	Articles of stone, plaster, cement	Sec XIII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.69	Ceramic products	Sec XIII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.70	Glass and glassware	Sec XIII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.71	precious or semi-precious stones	Sec XIV \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.72	Iron and steel	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.73	Articles of iron or steel	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.74	Copper and articles thereof	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.75	Nickel and articles thereof	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.76	Aluminium and articles thereof	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.78	Lead and articles thereof	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.79	Zinc and articles thereof	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.80	Tin and articles thereof	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.81	Other base metals; articles thereof	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.82	cutlery, spoons and forks of base metal	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.83	Miscellaneous articles of base metal	Sec XV notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.84	machinery and mechanical appliances	Sec XVI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.85	Electrical machinery and equipment	Sec XVI notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.86	Railway or tramway locomotives	Sec XVII notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.87	Vehicles and parts	Sec XVII notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.88	Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof	Sec XVII notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.89	Ships, boats and floating structures	Sec XVII notes \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.90	Optical, checking,medical or surgical instruments	Sec XVIII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.91	Clocks and watches	Sec XVIII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.92	Musical instruments	Sec XVIII \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.93	Arms and ammunition	Sec XIX \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.94	Furniture; bedding, lamps	Sec XX \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.95	Toys, games and sports requisites	Sec XX \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.96	Miscellaneous manufactured articles	Sec XX \  HS, Chapter note
Ch.97	Works of art, collectors’ pieces and antiques	Sec XXI notes \  HS, Chapter note

Source:European Union Website :U.S. Customs and Border Protection

General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs)

The tariff classification of merchandise under the Harmonized System is
governed by the principles set forth in the General Rules of Interpretation(“GRIs”).

The GRIs are intended to be consulted and applied each time merchandise is
to be classified under the Harmonized System.

Accordingly, it is the GRIs that are the single set of legal principles that always
govern the classification of merchandise under the Harmonized System.

There are six GRIs in all.

Things to remember

The application of the GIRs (1-4) should always be in SEQUENTIAL ORDER:
Rule 1 is to be taken into consideration first.
If classification is not covered by the provisions of Rule 1, then apply Rule 2, and so on.

Goods must first be classified in the 4-digit HS heading whose terms most specifically
describe the goods (unless otherwise required or directed by the GIRs) and

Only 4-digit headings are comparable:
Do not compare a heading description with a subheading description.

Example: Classification of an electric toothbrush.

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

Heading 85.09 as an “Electro-mechanical domestic appliances with self-contained
electric motor,….” OR Subheading 9603.21 which provides for “Toothbrushes,…”.
(Heading 96.03 provides for “Brooms, brushes…”)

NO!
Do not compare a heading description with a subheading description.
It is important to know about things to remember before understanding GRIs.

An electric toothbrush could potentially be classified in heading 8509 as an
electromechanical domestic appliance with self-contained motor and in
heading 9603 as a brush.
Within heading 9603, subheading 9603.21 provides for “toothbrushes.”
No consideration should be given to this subheading when comparing the
terms of the headings to determine the appropriate heading for classification
of the electric toothbrush (as merchandise must first be classified in the
Harmonized System at the heading level by the terms of the headings).

GRI Rule 1 Terms of the Headings, Section/Chapter Notes

THE TABLE OF CONTENTS, ALPHABETICAL INDEX, AND
TITLES OF SECTIONS, CHAPTERS AND SUB-CHAPTERS ARE
PROVIDED FOR EASE OF REFERENCE ONLY; FOR LEGAL
PURPOSES, CLASSIFICATION SHALL BE DETERMINED
ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE HEADINGS AND ANY
RELATIVE SECTION OR CHAPTER NOTES AND, PROVIDED SUCH
HEADINGS OR NOTES DO NOT OTHERWISE REQUIRE, ACCORDING
TO THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS: [that is, GRIs 2 to 6].

In the GRI’s principles of HS classification, the very first rule states, “The titles of Sections, Chapters and sub‑Chapters are provided for ease of reference only.” This means that when classifying a specific product, the product’s name does not necessarily have to match the wording in the HS Tariff’s section, chapter, and sub‑chapter titles, as these titles do not have binding legal force.

For example, consider the following plastic warning sign.

Since it is made of plastic, one might be inclined to assume that it falls within

“Section VII: PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF; RUBBER AND ARTICLES THEREOF” and more specifically within “Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof.”

While this may seem natural, GRI1 clearly states that the titles are provided solely for reference, and therefore such assumptions can be incorrect.

In this case, although the product is made of plastic, the significance of the printed text led to its classification as a “printed material” rather than as a plastic product
(EUBTI: DEBTI28270/21-1, HS: 4911.99).

This example illustrates how equating a product’s name with the wording of the HS Tariff titles can lead to misclassification. Please be cautious, as many parties misinterpret this provision and consequently apply an incorrect HS classification.

Here is another example that shows how the titles of sections and chapters are provided for ease of reference only.

This product is dental floss, but it’s quite difficult to find it by searching through the TITLES OF SECTIONS and CHAPTERS.
This is because, in order to classify dental floss with legal authority, it is necessary to refer to the Headings.
Please see the classification table below.

The description under Section VI,
“PRODUCTS OF THE CHEMICAL OR ALLIED INDUSTRIES,”
and the one under Chapter 33,
“Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations,”
do not, by any means, clearly lead you to the classification of dental floss.

However, when you reach Heading 3306, you finally find the description:
“Preparations for oral or dental hygiene, including denture fixative pastes and powders; yarn used to clean between the teeth (dental floss), in individual retail packages.”

This illustrates exactly why it is said that titles of sections and chapters are provided for ease of reference only.

Now that you understand the meaning of “The titles of Sections, Chapters and sub‑Chapters are provided for ease of reference only,” let’s move on to the next step.

GIR1 further states the following.
“for legal purposes, classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes and, provided such headings or Notes”

This means that “The titles of Sections, Chapters and sub‑Chapters” do not have legal binding force (ease of reference only), whereas “terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes and, provided such headings or Notes” do have legal binding force.

Now, let’s take a look at the actual structure of the HS tariff.

Example of Terms of the Headings, Section/Chapter Notes

It contains both legally binding descriptions and non-binding ones. Be sure to understand the differences between them clearly.
Therefore, marked the legally binding elements with blue circles and the non-binding ones with red circles.

CHAPTERS ARE PROVIDED FOR EASE OF REFERENCE ONLY; FOR LEGAL
PURPOSES, CLASSIFICATION SHALL BE DETERMINED
ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE HEADINGS

CHAPTERS AND SUB-CHAPTERS (below “I.-” and “II.-“)
PROVIDED FOR EASE OF REFERENCE ONLY; FOR LEGAL
PURPOSES, CLASSIFICATION SHALL BE DETERMINED
ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE HEADINGS

When discussing HS classification with customs authorities, only the legally binding descriptions are used, while the others are for ease of reference only.

EXAMPLE 1: Under GRI 1, if a provision specifically and completely
describes a product, then the product would be classified in that provision
(e.g., fresh grapes are classified under heading 0806 which provides for
“grapes, fresh or dried”). In this situation, the product is classified by the
terms of a heading.

Example: Live poultry (heading 01.05)

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

EXAMPLE 2: Note 3 to Section XVI to the Harmonized System directs
classification of composite machines described therein on the basis of the
“principal function” of the machines. Under GRI 1, such machines are to
be classified as so directed in that note. In this situation, the products are
classified by the terms of a section note.

EXAMPLE 3: Section XV is entitled “Base metals and articles of base metal”
but jewelry of base metal is classified in Section XIV.

EXAMPLE 4: Chapter 61 is entitled “Articles of apparel and clothing accessories,
knitted or crocheted”, although the chapter also covers certain articles which are
not wholly knitted or crocheted, such as those in heading 62.12.

EXAMPLE 5: Cat toy
At first glance, it might seem to fall under HS Code 9503 (toys), but that’s not the case!
Toys for animals are excluded from HS Code 9503 as stated in Note 5 to Chapter 95, so they are classified based on their material.
Therefore, it is classified as “textile articles” in 6307.90.

GRI 1 further states “do not otherwise require, according to the following provisions.” that means if the texts of the headings and of the notes cannot, by
themselves, determine the appropriate heading for classification of merchandise, then
classification is to be determined by the appropriate GRIs that follow GRI 1 (i.e., GRIs 2
to 6).

Rule 2 (a) Incomplete or unfinished; Unassembled or disassembled

RULE 2. (a) ANY REFERENCE IN A HEADING TO AN ARTICLE
SHALL BE TAKEN TO INCLUDE A REFERENCE TO THAT ARTICLE
INCOMPLETE OR UNFINISHED, PROVIDED THAT, AS ENTERED,
THE INCOMPLETE OR UNFINISHED ARTICLE HAS THE ESSENTIAL
CHARACTER OF THE COMPLETE OR FINISHED ARTICLE. IT SHALL
ALSO INCLUDE A REFERENCE TO THAT ARTICLE COMPLETE OR
FINISHED (OR FALLING TO BE CLASSIFIED AS COMPLETE OR
FINISHED BY VIRTUE OF THIS RULE), ENTERED UNASSEMBLED OR
DISASSEMBLED.

GRI 2 (a) has two parts. Part one deals with incomplete or unfinished goods and part
two deals with unassembled or disassembled goods.

Part One incomplete or unfinished goods

The first part of GRI 2 (a) extends the scope of any heading that refers to a
particular article to cover not only the complete article but also that article incomplete or
unfinished, provided that, as presented, it has the “essential character” (which is
discussed below) of the complete or finished article.

EXAMPLE1: A ceramic statuette of the Hokie Bird that will be painted after
importation would still generally have the essential character of a ceramic
statuette of heading 6913 (i.e., one would still recognize and identify the
product as a ceramic statuette) and would, therefore, be classified pursuant
to GRI 2 (a) as the finished product in heading 6913.

Example2: Preform bottle – Unfinished (heading 39.23 covers plastic bottles)

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

Example3: Wrist watch without strap – Incomplete (heading 91.02 covers wristwatches)

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

Example3: A car without wheels, is considered as a complete car.

Part Two unassembled or disassembled goods

The second part of GRI 2 (a) provides that complete or finished articles presented
unassembled or disassembled (which may occur for reasons related to the packing,
handling or transportation of the articles) are to be classified in the same heading as the
assembled article. It also provides incomplete or unfinished articles presented
unassembled or disassembled are to be classified in the same heading as the complete
or finished article provided that as presented they have the essential character of the
complete or finished article (as provided for in the first part of GRI 2 (a)).

EXAMPLE1: A shipment of an unassembled bicycle (containing all parts
and components necessary to build a bicycle) would be classified in
heading 8712 as an assembled, finished bicycle as if it were entered (or
imported) as the assembled, finished bicycle.

Example2: A complete set of wooden panels meant for assembly into a cupboard,
is considered as a finished cupboard.

EXAMPLE3: Unassembled office chair (heading 94.01 covers seats)

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

Rule 2 (b) Mixtures or combinations

RULE 2.(b) ANY REFERENCE IN A HEADING TO A MATERIAL
OR SUBSTANCE SHALL BE TAKEN TO INCLUDE A REFERENCE TO
MIXTURES OR COMBINATIONS OF THAT MATERIAL OR
SUBSTANCE WITH OTHER MATERIALS OR SUBSTANCES. ANY
REFERENCE TO GOODS OF A GIVEN MATERIAL OR SUBSTANCE
SHALL BE TAKEN TO INCLUDE A REFERENCE TO GOODS
CONSISTING WHOLLY OR PARTLY OF SUCH MATERIAL OR
SUBSTANCE. THE CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS CONSISTING OF
MORE THAN ONE MATERIAL OR SUBSTANCE SHALL BE
ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF RULE 3.

GRI 2 (b) governs the classification (1) of mixtures and combinations of materials or
substances and (2) of goods consisting of two or more materials or substances. The
rule extends headings referring (1) to a material or substance to include mixtures or
combinations of that material or substance with other materials or substances and (2) to
goods of a given material or substance to include goods consisting wholly or partly of
that material or substance (but only as long as another heading does not refer to the
goods in their mixed or composite state).

If the addition of another material or substance deprives the imported good of the
character of the kind mentioned in the heading under consideration, however, then
one must resort to GRI 3 for classification of the merchandise. Or, in other words,
mixtures and combinations of materials or substances, and goods consisting of
more than one material or substance, if upon initial consideration are potentially
classifiable under two or more headings, they must be classified according to the
principles of GRI 3.

EXAMPLE1: Under GRI 2 (b), a stainless steel travel mug with a plastic
handle would be classifiable in heading 7323 as a table, kitchen or other
household article of steel despite the plastic handle (as it retains the
character of a table, kitchen or another household article of steel as
mentioned in heading 7323). If a travel mug, however, contained
relatively equal amounts of stainless steel and plastic (e.g., the outside or
outer surface of the mug is made of plastic and the inside or inner surface
(lining) of the mug is made of stainless steel), then the travel mug would
be potentially classifiable under two headings: heading 3924 as tableware,
kitchenware or other household article of plastic and heading 7323 as a
table, kitchen or other household article of steel. (Or, contrasting this
product with the initial one considered in this example, a travel mug
consisting of relatively equal amounts of stainless steel and plastic does
not have the character of a table, kitchen or other household article of
steel as mentioned in heading 7323.) In this situation, pursuant to GRI 2(b),
resort would need to be made to GRI 3 for classification of the product.

EXAMPLE2: Milk to which vitamins or minerals have been added.

EXAMPLE3: A pack of cornflakes which also contains a small amount of nuts and raisins.

Rule 3 Two or more headings

WHEN, BY APPLICATION OF RULE 2(b) OR FOR ANY
OTHER REASON, GOODS ARE, PRIMA FACIE, CLASSIFIABLE
UNDER TWO OR MORE HEADINGS, CLASSIFICATION SHALL BE
EFFECTED AS FOLLOWS:

GRI 3 provides for the classification of goods that are prima facie (or when initially
considered) classifiable under two or more headings. In such instances, the goods are
classified pursuant to this rule based on three criteria, taken in order:

Rule 3 (a) Most specific

The heading which provides the most specific description
shall be preferred to headings providing a more general
description. However, when two or more headings each refer
to part only of the materials or substances contained in mixed
or composite goods or to part only of the items in a set put up
for retail sale, those headings are to be regarded as equally
specific in relation to those goods, even if one of them gives a
more complete or precise description of the goods.

The first sentence to GRI 3 (a) provides that goods should be classified in the heading
that provides the most specific description. In general, under this criterion, (1) a
description by name is more specific than a description by class and (2) a description
that more clearly identifies a product is more specific than one which is less complete.

Example1: Chair/ladder
A wooden ladder is classified as “Other articles of wood(HS4421)”
A wooden chair is classified as “Wooden chair(HS9401)”
So where to be classified??

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

Relative Specificity
A description by name is more specific than a description by class.
A description that more clearly identifies a product is more specific than one which is less complete.

the name “Wooden chair” more clearly identifies than “Other articles of wood”
Therefore this product is classified as Wooden chair(HS9401)

Example2:
Steel spoon is classified in  HS82.15(Spoons) and not in HS73.23(Steel Household)

Example3:
Seats for motor vehicles are classified in HS94.01(Seats for motor vehicles)
and not in HS 87.08(Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles)

Example4: An example of a description by name in one heading that is
more specific than a description by class in another heading is as follow:
“shavers and hair clippers with self-contained electric motor” of heading
8510 is more specific than “electro-mechanical tools for working in the
hand with self-contained electric motor” of heading 8467 or
“electromechanical domestic appliances with self-contained electric motor” of
heading 8509.

Example5: An example of a description in one heading that more clearly
identifies a product than a description in another heading (and thus the
first description is more specific than the second description) is as follows:
A product identified as “unframed safety glass made of toughened or
laminated glass that is shaped and identifiable for use in airplanes” is
more clearly described by the article description “safety glass” of heading
7007 than by the article description “parts of goods of heading 8801 or
8802” (parts of aircraft and spacecraft) of heading 8803.

The second sentence to GRI 3 (a) further provides that when two or more headings
each refer to only one of the materials or substances in mixed or composite goods, or to
only some of the articles included in a set put up for retail sale, those headings are to be
regarded as equally specific in relation to those goods, even if one of them gives a more
complete or precise description of the goods. If this situation exists, then resort must be
made to GRI 3 (b). (See examples discussed below for GRI 3 (b).)

Rule 3 (b) Essential character

Mixtures, composite goods consisting of different
materials or made up of different components, and
goods put up in sets for retail sale, which cannot be
classified by reference to 3 (a), shall be classified as if
they consisted of the material or component which
gives them their essential character, insofar as this
criterion is applicable.

GRI 3 (b) deals with mixed goods, composite goods, and goods put up in sets for retail
sale as described above in the second sentence to GRI 3 (a) (i.e., each of the goods is
potentially classifiable in more than one heading because each good consists of two or
more different ingredients, materials, components or articles and no heading provides
for the goods as a whole).

By application of this criterion, such goods are classified according to the ingredient,
material, component or article that gives the mixtures, composite goods, or sets their
“essential character.”

Goods Put up in Sets for Retail Sale. For the purposes of GRI 3 (b), the term “goods put
up in sets for retail sale” means that the goods under consideration must (a) consist of
at least two different articles (i.e., the articles must be of a different type or nature, e.g.,
two table spoons are not such a “set”) which are, prima facie, classifiable in different
headings; (b) consist of products or articles put up together to meet a particular need or
carry out a specific activity; and (c) are put up in a manner suitable for sale directly to
users without repacking.

Example1:Mixture of barley (60%) of HS10.03 and oats (40%) of HS10.04

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

An example of a mixture of barley of HS1003(60%) and oats of HS1004(40%) in
different amounts. In such an instance, “barley” gives their essential character.
Therefore the mixture is classified as “barley(HS1003)”

Example2: An example of a “composite good”
coming within the purview of GRI 3 (b) would be a combined flashlight of
heading 8513 and radio of heading 8527 (i.e., both are contained in the
same housing). In such an instance, there is a product consisting of two
or more different units or components that are located in the same
housing with each component having a provision in which it could
potentially be classified and no provision exists in the Harmonized System
that provides for the composite good as a whole.

Example3: An example of a “set” coming within the purview of GRI 3
(b) would be a hairdressing kit consisting of a pair of electric hair clippers
of heading 8510, a comb of heading 9615, a pair of scissors of heading
8213, and a brush of heading 9603. In such an instance, there is a
product that consists of more than one item or article with each article
having a provision in which it could potentially be classified and no
provision exists in the Harmonized System that provides for the set as a
whole. In the above-mentioned hairdressing kit, the articles are put up
together to meet the particular need or carry out the specific activity of
grooming hair.

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

Example4:  A mixture for brewing, consisting of 70 % wheat and 30 % barley. The mixture is
classified in Heading 10.01 (Wheat and meslin).

Example5: Liquor-filled chocolates are classified in Heading 18.06 (Chocolate and other food
preparations containing cocoa).

Example6: A bed linen set comprising a woven bedspread, pillow-cases and bolsters put up in a
paperboard case. It is classified in Heading 63.04.

In each of the above-mentioned example 4 to 6, one would need to make a
determination as to the ingredient, material, component or article that imparts the
essential character to the particular good. The good would then be classified as if made
or consisting entirely of that ingredient, material, component or article. In some
situations, however, no ingredient, material, component or article will be found to impart
the essential character to a particular good. In such instances, resort would need to be
made to GRI 3 (c) in order to classify the good.

Rule 3 (c) Last in numerical order

WHEN GOODS CANNOT BE CLASSIFIED BY REFERENCE TO
3(a) OR 3(b), THEY SHALL BE CLASSIFIED UNDER THE HEADING
WHICH OCCURS LAST IN NUMERICAL ORDER AMONG THOSE
WHICH EQUALLY MERIT CONSIDERATION.

GRI 3 (c) states that goods should be classified under the heading that occurs last in
numerical order from among those that equally merit consideration if the goods cannot
be classified by reference to GRIs 3 (a) or 3 (b).

EXAMPLE1:

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

In the above-mentioned example of the mixed good consisting of barley
and oats in equal amounts, if neither the barley nor the oats is found to
impart the essential character to the product, then by application of GRI 3
(c) the product would be classified in heading 1004 as if consisting solely
of the oats. This is because the heading number for the oats found in the
mixture occurs last in numerical order as between it and the barley (i.e.,
1003 for the barley and 1004 for the oats).

EXAMPLE2: A belt made of 50 % leather(heading42.03) and
50 % textiles(heading62.17) is classified in Heading 62.17.

EXAMPLE3: A machine-tool for working stone(heading 84.64) as well as
wood(heading 84.65) is classified in Heading 84.65.

EXAMPLE4: Electric lamp (heading 94.05) with an alarm clock (heading 91.05)
is classified in 94.05.

EXAMPLE5: Chandeliers (heading 94.05) with electric fan (heading 84.14)
is classified in 94.05.

WHAT IS THE ESSENTIAL CHARACTER OF A PRODUCT?
The term “essential character,” as used in the GRIs, is not defined in the Harmonized
System. As concerns that term, however, it is stated in the Explanatory Notes to the
Harmonized System (which is an extrinsic interpretative aid to the Harmonized System
that is discussed below) that the factor that determines the essential character of a good
will vary as between different kinds of goods (i.e., essential character must be
determined on a case-by-case basis). The essential character of a good, may, for
example, be determined by the nature of the material or component, its bulk, quality,
weight or value, or by the role of a constituent material in relation to the use of the
goods. Other factors may be considered in determining the essential character of a
product.

Rule 4 Most akin

GOODS WHICH CANNOT BE CLASSIFIED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE ABOVE RULES SHALL BE CLASSIFIED
UNDER THE HEADING APPROPRIATE TO THE GOODS TO WHICH
THEY ARE MOST AKIN.

If goods cannot be classified according to GRIs 1 to 3, then resort must be made to GRI
4. GRI 4 requires that goods are to “be classified under the heading appropriate to the
goods to which they are most akin.” This rule should be applied very infrequently as
GRIs 1 to 3 will cover the classification of almost all goods. When attempting to apply
this rule, however, any determination regarding “kinship” should depend on such factors
as description, character, purpose or intended use, designation, production process and
the nature of the goods.

EXAMPLE1: Exhaust Air Jack (heading 84.25)

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

EXAMPLE2:Carbonized Corn Cobs

Retrieved from:Japan Customs

• Description: Carbonized corn cobs used as a soil conditioner
• Composition: 80% carbon, 20% moisture
• Form: Lumps of approximately 1–3 cm
• Packaging: 10 kg per plastic bag

HS Classification Consideration:

According to Heading 44.02 of the tariff schedule, charcoal includes vegetable-based shells and nut charcoal, but does not explicitly mention charcoal made from corn cobs.

Corn cobs are indeed plant-based, but they are structurally different from nut shells or seed husks.
Unlike nut shells, which have a hard outer covering, corn cobs have a softer, more fibrous structure.
Therefore, there is room for interpretation as to whether they strictly fall under the “vegetable-based shells” intended by HS 4402.

However, given that its manufacturing process, characteristics, and usage are similar to those of wood charcoal, GRI 4 is applied. Under this rule, the product is classified under Heading 44.02, which covers the most similar goods.

Rule 5 Containers

IN ADDITION TO THE FOREGOING PROVISIONS, THE
FOLLOWING RULES SHALL APPLY IN RESPECT OF THE GOODS
REFERRED TO THEREIN:

GRI 5 has two sections: GRI 5 (a) and GRI 5 (b).
These two sections deal with various types of containers presented with
the articles for which they are intended.

Rule 5 (a) Special containers

(a) CAMERA CASES, MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CASES, GUN CASES,
DRAWING INSTRUMENT CASES, NECKLACE CASES AND SIMILAR
CONTAINERS, SPECIALLY SHAPED OR FITTED TO CONTAIN A
SPECIFIC ARTICLE OR SET OF ARTICLES, SUITABLE FOR LONGTERM
USE AND ENTERED WITH THE ARTICLES FOR WHICH THEY
ARE INTENDED, SHALL BE CLASSIFIED WITH SUCH ARTICLES
WHEN OF A KIND NORMALLY SOLD THEREWITH. THIS RULE DOES
NOT, HOWEVER, APPLY TO CONTAINERS WHICH GIVE THE WHOLE
ITS ESSENTIAL CHARACTER;

GRI 5 (a) deals with the treatment of long-term use cases, boxes, and similar containers
presented with the articles for which they are intended. Under this rule, long-term use
containers imported with articles for which they are intended to be used are to be
classified with the articles if they are of a kind of container normally sold with such
articles (e.g., camera cases with cameras and musical instrument cases with musical
instruments). This rule, however, does not apply to containers that give the imported
article its essential character (e.g., a silver tray or dish containing tea or a high-quality
ornamental ceramic bowl containing candies or sweets). Such merchandise is to be
classified under the heading for the container.

EXAMPLE1: Violin(HS9202) with case(4202)

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

Packing materials and packing containers entered with the
goods therein shall be classified with the goods if they are of
a kind normally used for packing such goods.

Violin with a case would be classified as Violin(HS9202) if the items
satisfie Rule 5(a).

EXAMPLE2:Gumball with toy packaging

Retrieved from: HS Classification by Japan customs

It seems that it satisfies Rule 5(a) but in this situation Gumball and toy packaging
should be classified separately because of Rule 5(a) states that,
THIS RULE DOES NOT, HOWEVER, APPLY TO CONTAINERS WHICH GIVE THE WHOLE
ITS ESSENTIAL CHARACTER;

Toy packaging gives the whole it’s an essential character.
Therefore Gumballs are classified HS1704
The toy packaging is classified HS9503 as Toy.

Rule 5 (b) Packing materials & containers

(b) SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF RULE 5(a) ABOVE, PACKING
MATERIALS AND PACKING CONTAINERS ENTERED WITH THE
GOODS THEREIN SHALL BE CLASSIFIED WITH THE GOODS IF
THEY ARE OF A KIND NORMALLY USED FOR PACKING SUCH
GOODS. HOWEVER, THIS PROVISION IS NOT BINDING WHEN SUCH
PACKING MATERIALS OR PACKING CONTAINERS ARE CLEARLY
SUITABLE FOR REPETITIVE USE.

GRI 5 (b) states that packaging containers and materials not normally intended to be
reused are classified with the articles in which they are presented or imported (e.g.,
cardboard boxes or containers containing food products). This rule, however, does not
apply to packaging materials or packing containers clearly suitable for repetitive use
(e.g., certain metal drums or containers of iron or steel for compressed or liquefied gas).
Such containers are to be classified separately from the materials that they hold.

Example1: Men’s shirts individually sealed in a polybag then packed in cardboard boxes

Retrieved from: HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION and CODING SYSTEM or  HARMONIZED SYSTEM(HS)

In this situation, Men’s shirts with the cardboard box are entirely classified
as shirts.

EXAMPLE2: Gumball dispensing machine

Gumball dispensing machine (predominantly of zinc alloy) imported with gumballs.
It is designed to accept a coin and release a candy.

It seems that it satisfies Rule 5(b), but in this situation Gumball and dispensing machine
should be classified separately because of Rule 5(b) states that,
HOWEVER, THIS PROVISION IS NOT BINDING WHEN SUCH
PACKING MATERIALS OR PACKING CONTAINERS ARE CLEARLY
SUITABLE FOR REPETITIVE USE.

Dispensing machine is considered as a container which suitable for repetitive use.
Therefore Gumballs are classified HS1704
The dispenser is classified HS7907.

Rule 6 Subheading rule

For legal purposes, the classification of goods in the
subheadings of a heading shall be determined
according to the terms of those subheadings and any
related Subheading Notes and, mutatis mutandis, to
the above Rules, on the understanding that only
subheadings at the same level are comparable. For the
purposes of this Rule the relative Section and Chapter
Notes also apply, unless the context otherwise requires.

GRI 6 is the last of the GRIs. It prescribes that, for legal purposes, GRIs 1 to 5 govern,
mutatis mutandis (or with the necessary changes), classification at subheading levels
within the same heading. Or, in other words, GRIs 1 to 5 are to be reapplied to
determine the classification of goods at the subheading level. Goods are to be classified
at equal subheading levels (that is, at the same digit level) within the same heading
under the subheading that most specifically describes or identifies them (or as
otherwise required or directed under GRIs 1 to 5). Only subheadings at the same level
within the same heading are comparable (i.e., no consideration should be given to the
terms of any subheading within another subheading when considering the proper
classification of merchandise at the higher level subheading).

EXAMPLE 1: A framed glass mirror is found to be classified in heading
7009. Thereafter, it would have to be classified within the subheading
structure of that heading by application of GRIs 1 to 5 pursuant to GRI 6:

Initially, a determination would need to be made as to whether the framed
glass mirror is classified at the 5-digit (or “one-dash”) subheading level in
5-digit subheading 7009.1 (“rear-view mirrors for vehicles”) or in 5-digit
subheading 7009.9 (“other”). If the product is found to be classified in 5-
digit subheading 7009.1 (as a rear-view mirror for a vehicle), then the
classification analysis would end there and the product would be classified
in subheading 7009.10 (as 5-digit subheading 7009.1 is not further
subdivided). In the instant case, the framed glass mirror does not satisfy
the article description for 5-digit subheading 7009.1. Therefore, the
product would be classified at the 5-digit subheading level in 5-digit
subheading 7009.9 (as a glass mirror other than a rear-view mirror for a
vehicle). Next, a determination would have to be made as to whether the
product is classified at the 6-digit (or “two-dash”) subheading level within
5-digit subheading 7009.9 in 6-digit subheading 7009.91 (as an unframed
glass mirror other than a rear-view mirror for a vehicle) or in 6-digit
subheading 7009.92 (as a framed glass mirror other than a rear-view
mirror for a vehicle). The framed glass mirror would be classified in
subheading 7009.92 by application of GRI 1 pursuant to GRI 6.

EXAMPLE 2: A set consisting of a shovel, fork, and pick for use in
gardening would be classified in heading 8201 as each article is
specifically provided for in the terms to that heading. Within heading
8201, shovels are provided for in subheading 8201.10, forks in
subheading 8201.20, and picks in subheading 8201.30. Consequently,
one would need to resort to GRI 3 pursuant to GRI 6 in order to classify
the set at the subheading level within heading 8201. That is, one would
need to determine which of the three articles imparts the essential
character to the set pursuant to GRI 3 (b). If no one article is found to
impart the essential character to the set, then one would classify the set
under subheading 8201.30 because the subheading number for that
article occurs last in numerical order as provided for in GRI 3 (c).

As evident from the above discussion, the GRIs provide that goods must first be
classified by heading level, and only after the appropriate heading has been
determined, then by equal subheading levels (first by five-digit and then by six-digit
international levels) within that heading. When considering the appropriate
classification at a particular subheading level, no consideration should be given to any
of the terms of any lower-level subheading (as the analysis at each subheading level
should be conducted without consideration of the terms of any lower-level subheading
provision). This step-by-step analysis applies without exception throughout the
Harmonized System (and throughout any national subheading levels as found in a
particular country’s Harmonized System-based tariff system).

Source: WCO