HS classification of goods
and advance rulings
Classifying goods under the HS nomenclature is the basis for duty calculation and the list of permits. We select the HS code before the order or shipment, show the rates and requirements and, where needed, lock the code in with an advance ruling so it does not change from shipment to shipment.
This matters most for machinery and parts, electronics, chemicals, textiles and sets of goods — neighbouring codes there can differ in duty, certification and marking.
Specification
Specification · HS classification. Standard terms · timing depends on product complexity and completeness of the description
Service
- Output
- HS code with reasoning, rates, requirements
- Goods
- single items and SKU classifiers
- Options
- advance ruling, expert opinion, code defence
Terms
- Timing
- code 1–3 days; advance ruling up to 90 days
- Documents
- written reasoning included
- Currency
- USD / RUB
Process
- Analysis
- GRI, Explanatory Notes, FTS practice
- Check
- rates, bans, EAEU TR, marking
- Lock-in
- FTS advance ruling
Price
- Base
- per item or per classifier
- Extras
- expert opinion, advance ruling, disputes — on request
Service flow
- 01
Product data
We collect descriptions, photos, technical documents and part numbers, and ask the supplier follow-up questions about composition and functions if needed.
1 day - 02
Classification by GRI
We apply the GRI from heading down to the 10-digit subheading and cross-check with the Explanatory Notes, EEC decisions and FTS classification rulings on similar goods.
1–3 days - 03
Rates and requirements
For the chosen code we set out the duty, VAT, excise, anti-dumping measures, bans and restrictions, EAEU TR requirements, Chestny Znak marking and encryption notification.
same day - 04
Advance ruling
For regular or disputed supplies we prepare an application for an advance ruling with description, photos and samples if needed. Under the EAEU Customs Code customs has up to 90 calendar days to decide.
up to 90 days - 05
Defending the code
If the post issues a classification decision with a different code, we prepare objections, an expert opinion and an appeal to the higher customs authority or a court claim.
case by case
Problems
The code was taken from the supplier or an old DT; on audit customs changes it — additional duty, VAT and penalties for all past shipments.
We check the code against the GRI and FTS practice before the first shipment and obtain advance rulings for regular items.
A low-duty code was chosen without noticing it requires a certificate, notification or marking — the cargo is stuck.
Together with the code we issue the full list of requirements: EAEU TR, SGR, notification, Chestny Znak, licences.
One shipment has hundreds of SKUs classified differently — the DT grows and so does the error risk.
We maintain a client SKU classifier with codes and reasoning and update it when the nomenclature changes.
Documents
What we need to classify. The more precise the technical description, the lower the risk that customs picks a different code with a higher rate.
Incoterms
- EXW / FCA
- code and duties are on the buyer — check before signing the contract
- CIF / CFR
- duty by code is calculated on the price including freight to the port of import
- DDP
- the Russian declarant is still an EAEU entity — the importer must still check the code
Documents
- Product description
- purpose, material, composition in %, operating principle
- Technical documents
- datasheet, specification, drawings, manual
- Photos and samples
- photos of the item, marking and packaging; a sample on request
- Invoice
- commercial description and supplier part numbers
- Test reports
- lab composition analysis — for chemicals, alloys, food
FAQ
The code is found using the General Rules of Interpretation: first the heading by its text and the section and chapter notes, then subheadings down to 10 digits. Accurate data on composition, purpose and design are needed; codes from a Chinese export declaration match the EAEU nomenclature only in the first 6 digits.
An advance ruling fixes the HS code for three years, and customs applies it when the product is declared. This rules out rate disputes at the post and post-release re-assessments, which matters most for regular supplies.
The ruling is valid for three years from its date unless amended or revoked, for example when the nomenclature changes. Under the EAEU Customs Code customs has up to 90 calendar days to decide, so apply before the first large shipment.
A classification decision can be challenged: we prepare written reasoning citing the GRI and Explanatory Notes, an expert opinion if needed, and appeal to the higher customs authority or the commercial court. Meanwhile the goods can be released by paying or securing the difference.
No. The code determines duty and VAT rates, excise, anti-dumping duties, the need for certificates, SGR, notification and licences, mandatory marking and bans. A wrong code leads to additional charges, a fine and delayed release.
As a reference, yes; as the final code, no. The supplier gives a code from their national tariff, which matches the EAEU nomenclature only up to 6 digits, and the declarant is liable for the code in the DT.