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ARTICLE · 18 OCTOBER 2016

What Is An H.S. Tariff Classification Number?

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An H.S. Tariff Classification Number is a 10 digit number that must be provided on import documentation in order to communicate what is the good that is being imported.

CanadaInternational Law
Cyndee Todgham Cherniak
Cyndee Todgham Cherniak
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An H.S. Tariff Classification Number is a 10 digit number that must be provided on import documentation in order to communicate what is the good that is being imported. Theoretically, every type of good is covered by the H.S. Tariff Classification Numbers and each good can be matched with a number. The Canada Border Services Agency ("CBSA") requires that an H.S. Tariff Classification Number be provided in Box 27 on B3 Customs Coding Form as a way to identify the goods that are being imported. The H.S. Tariff Classification Number is also required on many other ("CBSA") forms.

H.S. Tariff Classification Numbers are based on the World Customs Organization's ("WCO") International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, Can. T.S. 1988 No. 38. Canada is a signatory to this Convention. The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (the "Harmonized System") is the system by which approximately 5,000 commodity groups of imported goods

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