The Harmonized System (HS) is used worldwide for the uniform classification of goods traded internationally and has been accepted by all Contracting Parties to the Harmonized System Convention. Every 5 years, the World Customs Organization (WCO), undertakes a general review of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonized System or HS). HS 2022, which is the seventh edition, will enter into force on 1 January 2022.
The HS serves as the basis for Customs tariffs and for the compilation of international trade statistics in 211 economies. The new HS 2022 edition makes some major changes to the Harmonized System with a total of 351 sets of amendments covering a wide range of goods moving across borders.
Adaption to current trade through the recognition of new product streams and addressing environmental and social issues of global concern are the key factors driving the HS 2022 amendments. Here are some examples:
- New provisions regarding nicotine-based products and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will simplify the classification of these products
- HS 2022 includes specific provisions for the classification of electrical and electronic waste to assist countries in their work under the Basel Convention
- Some major reconfigurations regarding glass fibres and metal forming machinery have been undertaken, because the current subheadings do not effectively represent technological advances in these sectors.
- New subheadings have been added for various dual-use goods that could be diverted for unauthorized uses, such as radioactive materials, biological safety cabinets, and parts required for the construction of improvised explosive devices, such as detonators.
- Focus on health and safety, as e.g. changes have been made to recognize the danger of delays in the deployment of tools for a rapid diagnosis in case of an outbreak of infectious diseases.
- Goods specifically controlled under various Conventions have also been updated
The amendments will be effective from January 1, 2022. You can also read the full statement from the WOC here.
