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Writer's pictureArne Mielken

CHALLENGE: What is the HS+CN Code for vlogging kit?

Customs classification can be challenging. Try your luck with our guided classification challenge and compare your results with the official solution.


Do you feel ready and willing to take on the challenge of classifying this specific product? One suggestion could be to propose this as a challenge for your team, encouraging them to brainstorm and come up with a solution together.


We would like to provide you with a detailed plan that outlines the steps you can take to efficiently support your team or yourself in finding the right commodity code. This plan will guide you systematically and ensure accuracy and efficiency in your search. So, let's begin by making sure you have a comprehensive set of support tools available to assist you throughout the process.


TIP: Download Now: The Customs Classification Questionnaire Course To Help You Find THAT Code. This Customs Classification Questionnaire course will provide an invaluable guide to help you find the correct code for your goods. We'll take you through the questionnaire step-by-step, providing you with all the information you need to understand each question and select the right code for your goods. Learn how to complete the questionnaire accurately, and take the first step to successful customs classification. https://www.customsmanager.org/product-page/the-customs-classification-questionnaire-to-help-you-find-that-code

Step 1: Get a good description of the product



A so-called ‘vlogging kit with ring light’, made of plastics, consisting of the following components:

— a LED ring lamp with an external diameter of approximately 25 cm,

— a tripod with ball head, equipped with a universal, flexible phone clip,

— a power supply via USB,

— an inline control equipped with an on/off button, for adjusting the brightness and colour temperature of the light,

— a Bluetooth controller for the wireless control of the smartphone.


The tripod with the phone clip is designed to hold a smartphone and to ensure stability of the smartphone camera at the desired position. The ring lamp provides an optimal illumination by adjusting the brightness and colour temperature of the light and by preventing shadows on human faces.

The product is used for a vlogging setup to achieve an optimal performance while making videos, streams and selfies.



Step 2: Build your argument, grounded in law

You know that the HS is organized logically by economic activity or component material. For example, animals and animal products are found in one section of the HS, while machinery and mechanical appliances are found in another.


Make sure you have all your support tools ready, such as the section and chapter notes, national explanatory notes, WCO classification explanatory notes, BTI, and case law.


To properly classify a product, you should start by identifying the Harmonized System (HS) SECTION it belongs to. You have 21 to choose from. Select here: https://www.customsmanager.info/post/demystifying-the-wco-hs-sections-understanding-product-classification-for-international-trade


This will narrow the possible Chapters, the first two digits of your classification. Within your section, select the appropriate chapter with due regard to General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1.

Select your first two digits of your commodity code here based on the wording of the relevant chapter. If you are not sure which of multiple to select, select them all and you can exclude one by one later, until only one is left.


Select the chapters from this list:


Next, analyze GIR 1 and determine possible competing headings for the product. Read the Chapter, Section and Additonal Notes, take a look at including exclusions and exceptions, to support your reasoning. Also, consider other GIR rules that may apply.


Check the specific rules of your national tariff, such as additional notes and subheading rules for numberings past 6 digits.


Draft and fine-tune your justification and conclude by determining the appropriate article for the product.To properly classify a product, you should start by identifying the Harmonized System (HS) section it belongs to. Take a look at the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) and try to determine which ones could be applicable in this case. GIR 1 and 6 are necessary, but are there any others to consider?


Make sure you have all your support tools ready, such as the section and chapter notes, national explanatory notes, WCO classification explanatory notes, BTI, and case law.


Next, analyze GIR 1 and determine possible competing headings for the product. Use all available tools, including exclusions and exceptions, to support your reasoning. Also, consider other GIR rules that may apply.


Check the specific rules of your national tariff, such as additional notes and subheading rules for numberings past 6 digits.


Draft and fine-tune your justification and conclude by determining the appropriate article for the product.


Step 3: Write your justification


There is no fixed rule, but it should clearly answer the question: Why is this code correct and give reasons backed up by the rules of classification? The geekier, the better.


Here is an example:


Classification is determined by general rules X and X for the interpretation of the Harmonised System of Classification as published by the WCO, version of year 20XX, and (insert name of national tariff).


We considered the following Notes and wordings of HS/commodity codes:


  • note XX and xx to Section XX

  • The wording of HS codes XXXX, XXXX

  • National Tariff commodity codes: XXXX XXXX

The articles are produced in/by .... (see note XX to Section XX). Considering their xxx character the articles are to be considered as xxx. In addition, note xxx to Section xxx classifies Product A like Product B in that section. Classification under heading XXXX is excluded, because (see also the Harmonized System Explanatory Note to heading XXXX (X) and the Explanatory note to the National Tariff XXXX ). Consequently, the articles are to be classified under National Code XXXX XX XXas a xxx Now it is up to you :-) Can you try to find the 6-digit code for the WCO and the eight-digit code for the EU (or your country?) YOUR ANSWER IS __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __


Solution

Our answer is published here, with detailed explanations https://www.customsmanager.info/all-news/categories/customs-classification


Help is here

If you get stuck, please reach out to us in the chat. We are always happy to assist you. Good luck!


More information and links


GIRs: The Rules Customs Read When It Approves Your Import

GIR in Customs Classification, this expression is the talk of each and every seminar within customs. But what GIRs are exactly?


Struggle to classify? Read the WCO Explanatory Notes Here

Access the WCO Explanatory Notes 2022 and previous versions to assist you with your customs classification efforts.

Course: Tariff and Customs Classification

Multiple Dates

Virtual Training Event

This course develops the competencies that professionals need to deal with all aspects of tariff and classification of goods, including HS code determination, application, validation, and usage of tariffs and online databases, GIRs and ATR (BTIs). (Course ID: OC03)



4-In-1 Support Services: How to get more support

1. Customs & Global Trade Updates (Fee Subscription): www.customsmanager.info

2. Customs & Global Trade Consultancy & Advice (Free First Call): https://www.customsmanager.org/consultancy

3. Customs & Global Trade Training & Education: https://www.customsmanager.org/education-training

4. Compliant & efficient UK Customs Clearance: https://www.customsmanager.org/customs-agent


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