On January 1, 2022, the seventh edition of the Harmonized System (HS) will enter into force for all countries which subscribe to the Harmonized System Convention. This edition makes some sweeping changes to the Harmonized System with a total of 351 sets of amendments covering a wide range of goods moving across borders. Many of these changes are at the 4 digit Heading and 6 digit Subheading levels.

The changes made will help modernize the tariff and recognize new product streams as well as address environmental and social issues of global concern. Vast changes to the tariff like this always cause some uncertainty for importers. There is uncertainty on how the changes will affect binding rulings, Section 301 tariffs, exclusions, and lastly any tariff with flags for participating government agencies and antidumping and countervailing duties.

While the final U.S. version has not been released, importers should begin to review the upcoming changes using the tools available including the following:

Importers should be prepared to update their tariff databases and seek new binding rulings, where needed, once the final 2022 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is released.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Noatum Logistics representative.