Recent News on the Harmonized System (HS) - Update 2024-10-30

• October 29, 2024: The WCO released a report summarizing the findings of an exploratory study aimed at evaluating the current state and long-term sustainability of the HS. This study addresses challenges such as the rapid growth of e-commerce, increasing product complexity, and demands for sustainability in trade. The report offers insights into potential areas for improvement to ensure the HS remains a relevant and effective tool in the evolving global trade landscape.

  World Customs Organization

• October 11, 2024: The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced the successful conclusion of the 74th Session of the Harmonized System Committee. Chaired by Mr. Tom Peter Beris from the United States, the session addressed an eighty-item agenda and was attended by representatives from 69 countries and the European Union. Discussions led to 23 amendments to the HS 2028 Nomenclature, 7 amendments to the HS 2022 Explanatory Notes, 21 new Classification Opinions, and 18 new classification decisions.

  World Customs Organization

• September 27, 2023: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published an article titled "Deciphering the Latest Changes to the Harmonized Structure." This piece discusses recent revisions to the Harmonized Structure, including additions to clauses 4.1 and 4.2, emphasizing the organization's need to assess the relevance of climate change and acknowledging that interested parties may have related requirements. These changes align with the ISO community's commitment to addressing climate change, as affirmed in the 2021 London Declaration.

  ISO Committee