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Combined Nomenclature

The Combined Nomenclature (CN), a system for designating and coding goods at European Union level, consists of 8 characters (hence the designation CN8):
– the first 6 are those of the Harmonized System (HS);
– the last 2 correspond to subdivisions of the HS to meet the tariff or statistical needs of the EU.

The Combined Nomenclature is revised annually on the 1st of January each year. It constitutes the reference basis for the tariff classification of goods and the determination of applicable customs duties.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Combined Nomenclature (CN8)

Combined Nomenclatures are the tariff and statistical nomenclature of the European Union, based on the Harmonized System (HS). They enable the application of the Common Customs Tariff, the compilation of external trade statistics, and the implementation of various European Union policies.

What is a Combined Nomenclature (CN8)?

The Combined Nomenclature (CN8) is the tariff and statistical nomenclature of the European Union used for the classification of goods.

Each product traded on import or export receives an 8-digit customs code enabling precise identification of its nature.

Combined Nomenclatures are used in particular for the tariff classification of goods, the calculation of customs duties, the application of European regulations, and the compilation of international trade statistics.

Why is tariff classification important in customs?

Tariff classification enables a good to be associated with the correct Combined Nomenclature. This classification determines several essential elements during a customs operation:

  • applicable duties and taxes;
  • any regulatory restrictions;
  • documents to be provided;
  • customs controls;
  • certain European trade measures.

Reliable tariff classification is therefore essential to secure import-export operations and limit the risks of non-compliance.

How to find the correct Combined Nomenclature code for a good?

To identify the correct CN8 code, it is necessary to analyze precisely the characteristics of the product: composition, function, use, material, level of processing, or technical characteristics.

Tariff classification is based on the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature and on the Explanatory Notes (HSEN) as well as, where applicable, on section and chapter notes.

Our AI agent ALBA helps you secure the search and management of customs codes and Combined Nomenclatures to ensure the reliability of your declarations.

What is the difference between HS code, CN8, and TARIC?

The HS code (Harmonized System) corresponds to an international 6-digit nomenclature used in many countries.
The European Combined Nomenclature completes this reference framework with 2 additional digits to obtain a more precise CN8 code, used in the European Union.

TARIC then adds additional subdivisions enabling the application of certain specific European Union regulations: anti-dumping duties, tariff suspensions, surveillance measures, or particular restrictions.

In practice, the HS code constitutes the international basis, the CN8 adapts it at European Union level, and TARIC adds the tariff and trade measures applicable in the EU.

What are the risks in case of a Combined Nomenclature error?

A Combined Nomenclature error can have significant consequences on a customs operation.

It can result in:

  • Incorrect calculation of duties and taxes;
  • Blockages or delays at customs;
  • Reinforced controls or the opening of litigation;
  • Administrative or financial penalties;
  • Corrections or adjustments during a post-clearance audit;
  • Incorrect application of trade policy measures (anti-dumping, quotas, restrictions, etc.);
  • Statistical anomalies in regulatory declarations.

Tariff classification therefore constitutes a major customs compliance issue for importing and exporting companies.

Why do Combined Nomenclatures evolve each year?

Combined Nomenclatures are updated each year by the European Union to take into account developments in international trade, technological innovations, modifications to the Harmonized System (HS) at global level, new EU tariff or regulatory measures.

New codes may be created, modified, or deleted to better classify certain goods or apply new customs measures.

Companies must therefore keep their customs reference data up to date to ensure the compliance of their operations and the reliability of their tariff classification.

Why use software to manage Combined Nomenclatures?

Managing Combined Nomenclatures quickly becomes complex when product volumes increase or regulations evolve frequently.

Our customs solution TARIFF via conex™ enables the automation and optimization of tariff classification, the centralization and cross-referencing of different regulatory sources to secure customs declarations.

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