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HS Codes for Piping Products

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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.

Shipping Documents e1548872564539
Shipping & Exporting 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.

The HS code of a product can be looked up here

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 CategoryDescriptionHS Code (Generic)
PipesStainless Steel Pipes7304.11
Carbon Steel Pipes7304.19
ValvesBall Valves8481.80
Gate Valves8481.30
FittingsElbow, Tee, Reducers7307.93
Stud BoltsFor Flanges7318.15
GasketsMetal Gaskets8484.10
Non-Metal Gaskets8484.20
FlangesStainless Steel Flanges7307.21
Carbon Steel Flanges7307.29

SPECIFIC HS CODES BY PIPING PRODUCT FAMILY

CATEGORYTYPEHS CODEDESCRIPTION
PIPES HS CODESPLASTIC PIPES AND TUBES3917Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings thereof (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics
391721Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene
391722Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of propylene
391723Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of vinyl chloride
391729Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, rigid, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3917
391731Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, flexible, having a minimum burst pressure of 27.6MPa
391732Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, other than those of item no. 3917.31, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, without fittings
391733Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, other than those of item no. 3917.31, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, with fittings
391739Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, n.e.c. in item no. 3917.30
PIPES HS CODESCAST IRON PIPES AND TUBES7303Tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, of cast iron
730300Cast iron; tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles
PIPES HS CODESSEAMLESS PIPES AND TUBES7304Tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel
730431Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron); seamless, cold-drawn, or cold-rolled, tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section
730439Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron); seamless, (excluding cold-drawn or cold-rolled), tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section
730441Steel, stainless; cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced), tubes and pipes of circular cross-section
730449Steel, stainless; (excluding cold-drawn or cold-rolled), tubes pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section
730451Steel, alloy (not stainless steel); seamless, cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced), tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section
730459Steel, alloy (not stainless steel); (excluding cold-drawn or cold-rolled), tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles of circular cross-section
730490Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); seamless, tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, n.e.c. in heading no. 7304
PIPES HS CODESWELDED PIPES AND TUBES7305Iron 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
730531Iron 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)
730539Iron 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)
730590Iron 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 CODESWELDED PIPES AND TUBES7306Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73
730630Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron); tubes and pipes (not seamless), welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73
730640Steel, stainless; tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73
730650Steel, alloy; tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles (other than stainless steel or seamless), welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73
730661Iron 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
730669Iron 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)
730690Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73
PIPES HS CODESCOPPER PIPES AND TUBES7411Copper tubes and pipes
741110Copper; tubes and pipes, of refined copper
741121Copper; tubes and pipes, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass)
741122Copper; tubes and pipes, of copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel silver)
741129Copper; 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 CODESNICKEL ALLOY PIPES AND TUBES7507Nickel; tubes, pipes, and tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves)
750711Nickel; tubes and pipes, not alloyed
750712Nickel; tubes and pipes, of nickel alloys
PIPES HS CODESALUMINIUM PIPES AND TUBES7608Aluminum; tubes and pipes
760810Aluminum; tubes and pipes, not alloyed
760820Aluminum; tubes and pipes, alloys
VALVES HS CODES8481Taps, cocks, valves, and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats, or the like, including pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves
848110valves; pressure reducing, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like
848120valves; for oleo hydraulic or pneumatic transmissions
848130valves; Check (nonreturn) valves, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats, or the like
848140valves; safety or relief valves, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like
848180Taps, cocks, valves, and similar appliances; for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats, or the like, including thermostatically controlled valves
848190Taps, cocks, valves, and similar appliances; parts thereof
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODESPLASTIC FITTINGS AND FLANGES3917Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings thereof (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics
391732Plastics; tubes, pipes, and hoses thereof, other than those of item no. 3917.31, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, without fittings
391733Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, other than those of item no. 3917.31, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, with fittings
391740Plastics; tube, pipe and hose fittings (e.g. joints, elbows, flanges)
392630Plastics; fittings for furniture, coachwork or the like
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODESIRON / STEEL FITTINGS AND FLANGES7307Tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves), of iron or steel
730711Cast iron; cast fittings, of non-malleable cast iron
730719Iron or steel; cast fittings, other than of non-malleable cast iron
730721Steel, stainless; tube or pipe fittings, flanges, of stainless steel
730722Steel, stainless; tube or pipe fittings, threaded elbows, bends and sleeves
730723Steel, stainless; tube or pipe fittings, butt welding fittings
730729Steel, stainless; tube or pipe fittings, n.e.c. in item no. 7307.2
730791Iron or steel; tube or pipe fittings, flanges, other than stainless steel
730792Iron or steel; tube or pipe fittings, threaded elbows, bends and sleeves, other than stainless steel
730793Iron or steel; tube or pipe fittings, butt welding fittings, other than stainless steel
730799Iron or steel; tube or pipe fittings, n.e.c. in item no. 7307.9, other than stainless steel
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODESCOPPER FITTINGS AND FLANGES7412Copper; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves)
741210Copper; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves) of refined copper
741220Copper; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves) of copper alloys
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODESNICKEL ALLOY FITTINGS AND FLANGES7507Nickel; tubes, pipes and tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves)
750720Nickel; tube and pipe fittings
FITTINGS HS CODES / FLANGES HS CODESALUMINIUM FITTINGS AND FLANGES7609Aluminum; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves)
760900Aluminum; tube or pipe fittings (e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves)
GASKETS HS CODES8484gaskets 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
848410gaskets and similar joints; of metal sheeting combined with other material or two or more layers of metal
848490Gasket sets or assortments of gaskets and similar joints; dissimilar in composition, put up in pouches, envelopes or similar packings
4016
401693Rubber; vulcanized (other than hard rubber), gaskets, washers and other seals, of non-cellular rubber
STUD BOLTS HS CODESIRON / STEEL STUD BOLTS7318Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers (including spring washers), and similar articles, of iron or steel
731815Iron or steel; threaded screws and bolts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.1, whether or not with their nuts or washers
731819Iron or steel; threaded screws, bolts, and nuts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.1
STUD BOLTS HS CODESNON-FERROUS STUD BOLTS7415Copper, 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
741533Copper; screws, bolts, and nuts, threaded
761610Aluminum; nails, tacks, staples (other than those of heading no. 8305), screws, bolts, nuts, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers, and similar articles

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About the Author

Fabrizio S.

Fabrizio S.

Fabrizio is a seasoned professional in the international trading of materials for projects, including piping, steel, and metal commodities with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. He has become a pivotal figure in the industry, renowned for his expertise in bridging the gap between EPC contractors, end users, manufacturers, and stockists to facilitate the seamless delivery of complex piping product packages across the globe.Starting his journey with a strong academic background in business administration and international trade, Fabrizio quickly distinguished himself in the field through his adept negotiation skills, strategic vision, and unparalleled knowledge of the project materials market. His career trajectory has seen him collaborate with leading names in the construction, oil & gas, and petrochemical industries, earning a reputation for excellence in executing large-scale projects (EPC Contractors, Oil & Gas End Users).At the core of Fabrizio's success is his ability to understand the intricate needs of EPC contractors and end users, aligning these with the capabilities of manufacturers and stockists. He excels in orchestrating the entire supply chain process, from product specification and procurement to logistics and on-time delivery, ensuring that each project phase is executed flawlessly.Fabrizio's role involves intense coordination and communication, leveraging his extensive network within the industry to negotiate competitive prices, manage complex logistical challenges, and navigate the regulatory landscape of international trade. His strategic approach to package assembly and delivery has resulted in cost efficiencies, timely project execution, and high satisfaction levels among stakeholders.Beyond his professional achievements, Fabrizio is an active participant in industry forums and conferences, such as Adipec, Tube, and similar, where he shares insights on market trends, supply chain optimization, and the future of project materials trading. His contributions to the field are not only limited to his operational excellence but also include mentoring young professionals entering the trade. Fabrizio is one of the co-founders of Projectmaterials, a B2B marketplace targeting the above markets. https://www.linkedin.com/in/fvs20092023/

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