Blog: Exporters’ Guide to Product Classification

Exporting goods involves a number of different laws and regulations. One such regulation relates to the classification of your products. Every exporter needs to be aware of the pertinent norms regarding product classification. The origin-country determines the set of rules that you need to comply with. Such product classification mechanisms also allow importers to pay the right amount of duties and comply with all regulatory requirements. However, classifying products accurately can be a major challenge for various exporters. Here is a short guide that will help you with your product classification procedure:
Blog: Exporters’ Guide To Product Classification

UNDERSTANDING THE EXPORT CONTROL CLASSIFICATION LISTS

 

The first and foremost step is to understand the export control classification lists. Every country has its own set of rules, and you need to be extremely careful in order to comply with them. Exporters also need to make sure that their product classification is in sync with the country that they are exporting their products to. Further, export control classification lists also include the specifications for each product. Exporters need to ensure that their goods are fully compliant with these. This is especially true in the case of ITAR-administered products. This process can be simplified by deploying product classification software that allows you to segregate your products automatically.

ASSIGNING THE CORRECT HTS CODE

 

The HTS code or the Harmonised Tariff Schedule code is a coding system that has been designed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). This code is used to identify the goods that are traded internationally. Every exporter needs to make sure that the correct codes have been assigned to their products. Exporters also need to keep in mind that HTS codes can be changed from time to time. It is extremely important to keep track of these changes. An automated software mechanism could prove to be an exporter’s biggest support system.

ADHERING TO DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

 

It is also important for exporters to make sure that they are presenting all the required documents. For instance, if you are exporting your products to a country which has a free trade agreement with the UK, you need to supply a certificate of origin. Similarly, other documentation such as licenses, exceptions, and exemptions also need to be in place. Not adhering to any of these requirements may result in hefty penalties for your business. Such penalties may include monetary fines, revoking of trade privileges, or even imprisonment. In order to avoid this situation, exporters need to ensure that they have detailed historical documents related to all their exported goods.

 

YOUR COMPANY’S NEXT STEPS

 

To sum up, all exporters need to be fully aware of product classification lists and make sure that their products are completely compliant. OCR provides you with configurable product classification solutions that could help you in negating all compliance risks. These solutions help you in customising compliance workflows, respond to audit requests, and update you in terms of any regulatory changes. Please contact us to find out more about how we can help you with our product classification offerings.

 

Talk to an Expert: