The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) is a recognized standardization system to classify imported/exported products for taxation and statistical reasons. The nomenclature foresees 21 sections, subdivided into 96 chapters and in above 5.000 headings and subheadings (representing individual commodities).
HS CODES FOR PIPING
WHAT ARE “HS CODES”?
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) is a standardized international system for classifying traded products.
Developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the HS is used by over 200 countries and economies for customs tariffs, international trade statistics, and the collection of duties and taxes. The system helps in facilitating global trade by ensuring that all participants recognize and classify goods consistently.
The HS is organized into a hierarchical structure, using a series of digits to identify goods traded internationally. This structure is broken down as follows:
- 2-digit chapters: Represent the broadest categorization of goods (e.g., Chapter 03: Fish and crustaceans).
- 4-digit headings: Provide more specific categories within each chapter (e.g., 0302: Fresh or chilled fish).
- 6-digit subheadings: Offer even more specific classifications (e.g., 030231: Trout).
Countries can further extend classifications with additional digits to address specific needs for duties, taxes, and statistical tracking, leading to codes that may be 8, 10, or more digits long.
The HS is revised periodically to account for changes in technology, emerging industries, and evolving international trade patterns. These revisions ensure that the classification system remains up-to-date and relevant for accurately describing and categorizing the wide range of products traded globally. By standardizing the way goods are classified, the HS system simplifies and harmonizes customs procedures, aiding businesses and governments in international trade.
WHY ARE HS CODES IMPORTANT WHEN SHIPPING?
HS codes are crucial when shipping goods internationally for several reasons, playing a pivotal role in global trade by streamlining and standardizing the process of importing and exporting. Here’s why HS codes are so important:
1. Customs Clearance and Compliance
HS codes are used by customs authorities worldwide to identify products being shipped. They determine if goods are allowed or restricted and ensure compliance with regulations, helping to avoid delays or penalties during customs clearance.
2. Determining Tariffs and Taxes
They are instrumental in calculating duties and taxes applicable to each product. By classifying goods accurately under the correct HS code, shippers can predict the cost implications of tariffs and taxes on their shipments, aiding in financial planning and avoiding unexpected charges.
3. Trade Statistics
HS codes facilitate the collection and analysis of international trade statistics. Governments and trade organizations use this data for economic research, market analysis, and policy-making, contributing to the understanding of global trade flows and trends.
4. Global Consistency
Because the HS system is internationally recognized and used by over 200 countries, it provides a common language for businesses and customs officials, reducing the potential for misunderstandings and discrepancies in product classification.
5. Efficiency in Global Trade
By standardizing the description and classification of goods, HS codes make international transactions smoother and more efficient. They help in reducing the time and paperwork needed for shipping goods across borders, facilitating faster trade operations.
6. Protection and Control
HS codes help governments enforce health, safety, and environmental regulations. By identifying products accurately, authorities can control the import and export of hazardous materials, endangered species, and other items subject to regulation, ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
7. Market Access and Negotiations
For businesses looking to enter new markets, understanding HS codes is essential for assessing trade barriers and negotiating trade agreements. They provide valuable insights into tariff concessions and non-tariff measures applied to different categories of goods.
In essence, HS codes are a fundamental component of international trade, significantly affecting the efficiency, legality, and cost-effectiveness of shipping goods across international borders. Their importance cannot be overstated, as they impact every aspect of the import and export process.
HS CODES IN SHIPPING DOCUMENTS
When shipping products and equipment like pipes, valves, fittings, or bundled piping products abroad, exporters must include the HS code for each item on the commercial invoice and/or packing list.
The HS code, a 6-digit identifier, breaks down as follows: the initial two digits represent the HS chapter, the next two the HS heading, and the final two the HS subheading. Exporters are responsible for identifying and listing the most accurate HS code for each product being exported in the shipping documents.
Given the importance customs authorities place on HS codes, exporters need to exercise utmost precision in selecting the correct HS code for each item being shipped. This accuracy is crucial to prevent any customs clearance delays or potential fines resulting from incorrect HS code declarations.
WRONG HS CODES IN SHIPPING DOCUMENTS: POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
Using incorrect Harmonized System (HS) codes on shipping documents can lead to a range of penalties and complications in international trade. The severity and nature of these penalties can vary depending on the country’s customs regulations, the nature of the mistake, and whether it’s perceived as an honest error or an attempt at deception. Common consequences include:
1. Delays in Customs Clearance
Incorrect HS codes can cause significant delays in customs clearance as the authorities take additional time to inspect, verify, and reclassify the goods. This can disrupt supply chains, leading to late delivery of goods, unsatisfied customers, and potential financial losses due to contractual penalties for late delivery.
2. Additional Inspections and Costs
Goods that are misclassified may be subject to more rigorous inspections to determine the correct classification and assess any potential risks associated with the goods. This can incur additional costs for storage, handling, and inspection fees during the delay.
3. Fines and Penalties
Customs authorities may impose fines or penalties for the incorrect declaration of goods. The size of the fine often depends on the nature of the mistake, the value of the goods, and local laws, and can significantly increase the cost of shipping.
4. Seizure of Goods
In severe cases, particularly if the misclassification is suspected to be an attempt to evade tariffs or import restrictions, customs may seize the goods. This can result in the loss of the entire shipment and additional legal penalties.
5. Damage to Reputation
Frequent errors in HS code declaration can lead to scrutiny from customs authorities in future shipments and may damage the reputation of the business with both authorities and partners.
6. Increased Tariffs
If the incorrect HS code results in a lower tariff being applied to the goods, the correct tariff rate will be charged retrospectively once the error is discovered. In addition to paying the difference, the importer might be subject to penalties or interest.
7. Legal Action
In cases where incorrect classification is deemed to be part of fraudulent activity, legal action may be taken against the importer or exporter, leading to further financial and reputational damage.
Preventative Measures
To avoid these penalties, it’s crucial to:
- Ensure that all parties involved in the preparation of shipping documents are properly trained.
- Utilize reliable and up-to-date resources for determining HS codes.
- Consider consulting with customs brokers or legal experts in international trade law when unsure about the correct classification of goods.
Accuracy in HS code declaration is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a critical component of smooth and efficient international trade operations.
RESOURCES TO FIND “HS CODE” EASILY
FINDHS.CODES PORTAL
FindHS.codes is an online tool designed to assist businesses, exporters, importers, and logistics professionals in identifying the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) codes for their products. The Harmonized System is a globally standardized nomenclature for the classification of products, used by customs authorities worldwide to determine tariffs, taxes, and regulations applicable to imported and exported goods.
The website provides a searchable database where users can enter descriptions of their products and receive suggestions for the most relevant HS codes. It aims to simplify the process of finding the correct HS codes, which is essential for ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, accurately calculating duties and taxes, and facilitating smooth customs clearance.
Features of the website may include:
- Search Functionality: Users can search for HS codes by entering product descriptions, keywords, or the HS code itself if known.
- Detailed Product Classification: The platform offers detailed information about the classification of products under the HS system, including chapter, heading, and subheading levels.
- Regulatory Information: Some services provide additional information on tariff rates, import and export regulations, and other relevant trade data associated with specific HS codes.
By providing a user-friendly interface for HS code determination, FindHS.codes helps businesses ensure that their shipping documents are accurate, minimizing the risk of customs delays, penalties, or fines due to incorrect classification of goods.
EUROPEAN CUSTOMS PORTAL (EUROPE)
The website https://www.tariffnumber.com/ is an online resource aimed at helping businesses and individuals find tariff numbers, also known as HS codes, for various products.
HTS SEARCH DATABASE (USA)
The website https://hts.usitc.gov/ is the official source for the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States. Managed by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), this online resource provides detailed information on tariff classifications, rulings, and rates applicable to various goods imported into the United States. The HTS is a hierarchical structure for describing all goods in trade for duty, quota, and statistical purposes. This tool is essential for businesses and individuals involved in importing goods into the U.S., offering guidance on the tariffs and taxes that may apply to different types of products based on their HS codes.
COMMON HS CODES FOR PIPING MATERIALS
In the table below, we have collected HS codes for the most commonly traded piping products:
- HS codes for pipes and tubes in various materials (plastic and steel)
- HS codes for flanges
- HS codes for fittings
- HS codes for valves
- HS codes for gaskets
- HS codes for stud bolts
We recommend verifying the information presented here against the HS codes lookup portals mentioned earlier, as updates and revisions to the codes can occur frequently.
GENERIC HS CODES BY PIPING PRODUCT FAMILY
Product Category | Description | HS Code (Generic) |
---|---|---|
Pipes | Stainless Steel Pipes | 7304.11 |
Carbon Steel Pipes | 7304.19 | |
Valves | Ball Valves | 8481.80 |
Gate Valves | 8481.30 | |
Fittings | Elbow, Tee, Reducers | 7307.93 |
Stud Bolts | For Flanges | 7318.15 |
Gaskets | Metal Gaskets | 8484.10 |
Non-Metal Gaskets | 8484.20 | |
Flanges | Stainless Steel Flanges | 7307.21 |
Carbon Steel Flanges | 7307.29 |
SPECIFIC HS CODES BY PIPING PRODUCT FAMILY
CATEGORY | TYPE | HS CODE | DESCRIPTION |
PIPES HS CODES | PLASTIC PIPES AND TUBES | 3917 | Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings thereof (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics |
391721 | Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene | ||
391722 | Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of propylene | ||
391723 | Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of vinyl chloride | ||
391729 | Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, rigid, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3917 | ||
391731 | Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, flexible, having a minimum burst pressure of 27.6MPa | ||
391732 | Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, other than those of item no. 3917.31, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, without fittings | ||
391733 | Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, other than those of item no. 3917.31, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, with fittings | ||
391739 | Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, n.e.c. in item no. 3917.30 | ||
PIPES HS CODES | CAST IRON PIPES AND TUBES | 7303 | Tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, of cast iron |
730300 | Cast iron; tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles | ||
PIPES HS CODES | SEAMLESS PIPES AND TUBES | 7304 | Tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel |
730431 | Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron); seamless, cold-drawn, or cold-rolled, tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section | ||
730439 | Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron); seamless, (excluding cold-drawn or cold-rolled), tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section | ||
730441 | Steel, stainless; cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced), tubes and pipes of circular cross-section | ||
730449 | Steel, stainless; (excluding cold-drawn or cold-rolled), tubes pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section | ||
730451 | Steel, alloy (not stainless steel); seamless, cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced), tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section | ||
730459 | Steel, alloy (not stainless steel); (excluding cold-drawn or cold-rolled), tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section | ||
730490 | Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); seamless, tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, n.e.c. in heading no. 7304 | ||
PIPES HS CODES | WELDED PIPES AND TUBES | 7305 | Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes and pipes (e.g. welded, riveted, or similarly closed), having circular crosssections, the external diameter of which exceeds 406.4mm, not seamless |
730531 | Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes and pipes (other than line pipe or casing of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines), longitudinally welded, having circular cross-sections, external diameter exceeds 406.4mm, (not seamless) | ||
730539 | Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes and pipes (other than line pipe or casing of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines), welded (not longitudinally welded), having circular cross-sections, external diameter exceeds 406.4mm, (not seamless) | ||
730590 | Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes and pipes n.e.c. in heading no. 7305, having circular cross-sections, external diameter exceeds 406.4mm, (not seamless) | ||
PIPES HS CODES | WELDED PIPES AND TUBES | 7306 | Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73 |
730630 | Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron); tubes and pipes (not seamless), welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73 | ||
730640 | Steel, stainless; tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73 | ||
730650 | Steel, alloy; tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles (other than stainless steel or seamless), welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73 | ||
730661 | Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles (not seamless), welded, of square or rectangular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73 | ||
730669 | Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73, welded, of non-circular cross-section (not square or rectangular cross-section) | ||
730690 | Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73 | ||
PIPES HS CODES | COPPER PIPES AND TUBES | 7411 | Copper tubes and pipes |
741110 | Copper; tubes and pipes, of refined copper | ||
741121 | Copper; tubes and pipes, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass) | ||
741122 | Copper; tubes and pipes, of copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel silver) | ||
741129 | Copper; tubes and pipes, of copper alloys (other than copper-zinc, copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel-silver)) | ||
PIPES HS CODES | NICKEL ALLOY PIPES AND TUBES | 7507 | Nickel; tubes, pipes, and tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves) |
750711 | Nickel; tubes and pipes, not alloyed | ||
750712 | Nickel; tubes and pipes, of nickel alloys | ||
PIPES HS CODES | ALUMINIUM PIPES AND TUBES | 7608 | Aluminum; tubes and pipes |
760810 | Aluminum; tubes and pipes, not alloyed | ||
760820 | Aluminum; tubes and pipes, alloys | ||
VALVES HS CODES | 8481 | Taps, cocks, valves, and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats, or the like, including pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves | |
848110 | valves; pressure reducing, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like | ||
848120 | valves; for oleo hydraulic or pneumatic transmissions | ||
848130 | valves; Check (nonreturn) valves, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats, or the like | ||
848140 | valves; safety or relief valves, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like | ||
848180 | Taps, cocks, valves, and similar appliances; for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats, or the like, including thermostatically controlled valves | ||
848190 | Taps, cocks, valves, and similar appliances; parts thereof | ||
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODES | PLASTIC FITTINGS AND FLANGES | 3917 | Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings thereof (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics |
391732 | Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, other than those of item no. 3917.31, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, without fittings | ||
391733 | Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, other than those of item no. 3917.31, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, with fittings | ||
391740 | Plastics; tube, pipe and hose fittings (e.g. joints, elbows, flanges) | ||
392630 | Plastics; fittings for furniture, coachwork or the like | ||
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODES | IRON / STEEL FITTINGS AND FLANGES | 7307 | Tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves), of iron or steel |
730711 | Cast iron; cast fittings, of non-malleable cast iron | ||
730719 | Iron or steel; cast fittings, other than of non-malleable cast iron | ||
730721 | Steel, stainless; tube or pipe fittings, flanges, of stainless steel | ||
730722 | Steel, stainless; tube or pipe fittings, threaded elbows, bends and sleeves | ||
730723 | Steel, stainless; tube or pipe fittings, butt welding fittings | ||
730729 | Steel, stainless; tube or pipe fittings, n.e.c. in item no. 7307.2 | ||
730791 | Iron or steel; tube or pipe fittings, flanges, other than stainless steel | ||
730792 | Iron or steel; tube or pipe fittings, threaded elbows, bends and sleeves, other than stainless steel | ||
730793 | Iron or steel; tube or pipe fittings, butt welding fittings, other than stainless steel | ||
730799 | Iron or steel; tube or pipe fittings, n.e.c. in item no. 7307.9, other than stainless steel | ||
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODES | COPPER FITTINGS AND FLANGES | 7412 | Copper; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves) |
741210 | Copper; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves) of refined copper | ||
741220 | Copper; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves) of copper alloys | ||
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODES | NICKEL ALLOY FITTINGS AND FLANGES | 7507 | Nickel; tubes, pipes and tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves) |
750720 | Nickel; tube and pipe fittings | ||
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODES | ALUMINIUM FITTINGS AND FLANGES | 7609 | Aluminum; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves) |
760900 | Aluminum; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves) | ||
GASKETS HS CODES | 8484 | gaskets and similar joints of metal sheeting combined with other material or of two or more layers of metal; sets or assortments of gaskets and similar joints, dissimilar in composition, put up in pouches, envelopes or similar packings; mechanical seals | |
848410 | gaskets and similar joints; of metal sheeting combined with other material or two or more layers of metal | ||
848490 | Gasket sets or assortments of gaskets and similar joints; dissimilar in composition, put up in pouches, envelopes or similar packings | ||
4016 | |||
401693 | Rubber; vulcanized (other than hard rubber), gaskets, washers and other seals, of non-cellular rubber | ||
STUD BOLTS HS CODES | IRON / STEEL STUD BOLTS | 7318 | Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers (including spring washers), and similar articles, of iron or steel |
731815 | Iron or steel; threaded screws and bolts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.1, whether or not with their nuts or washers | ||
731819 | Iron or steel; threaded screws, bolts, and nuts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.1 | ||
STUD BOLTS HS CODES | NON-FERROUS STUD BOLTS | 7415 | Copper, nails, tacks, drawing pins, staples (not those of heading no. 8305), and the like, of copper or iron or steel with heads of copper; screws bolts, nuts, screws hooks, rivets, cotters, washers |
741533 | Copper; screws, bolts, and nuts, threaded | ||
761610 | Aluminum; nails, tacks, staples (other than those of heading no. 8305), screws, bolts, nuts, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers, and similar articles |
5 Responses
Hi
just now I read your article. it’s very informative. I gain more knowledge about HS codes for pipes.
It will definitely help us. Thanks for sharing with us.
well done. keep sharing.
DIC OIL TOOLS
https://dic-oiltools.com/tubing-casing.php
Such a great blog thank u for sharing useful information about HS Codes for Pipes. This article really Amzing and so much helpful for Me. Keep it up:).
Thanks for having this article.The blog is written in well form with very good information,it helps a lot,Nice!!
Thank you for your appreciated comment. Should you need further information on some specific topics, kindly send us an email to support@projectmaterials.com. To submit an RFQ for piping materials, please visit this page: https://projectmaterials.com/submit-rfq-mto. Best regards, Projectmaterials
Thanks for having this article, it helps a lot. It’s a well-written blog and it is very informative. Keep on blogging, looking forward to see more of your posts!