Commodity Codes: Definition and Examples

What are Commodity Codes?

The term “Commodity Codes” refers to numerical classification codes used in international trade to uniquely identify goods. These codes are a central component of customs tariff systems and serve to accurately classify products in order to determine duties, taxes, and trade statistics. Commodity Codes are generally based on the internationally standardized Harmonized System (HS Code), which was developed by the World Customs Organization. They enable consistent communication between authorities, companies, and logistics providers worldwide.