OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS
NEW CUSTOM HOUSE: PANAMBUR: MANGALORE

 PUBLIC NOTICE NO.3 /2003                                        DATE:  28 .01.2003

                                            Sub: Adopting of 8 digit Customs Classification Code – reg.

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            Trade may be aware that different agencies adopt different commodity classification codes for the purpose of classifying commodities, for taxation purposes, deciding importability of a product, compilation of trade statistic and various other trade related transactions.  This causes disputes and hardship to trade and industry apart from making it difficult to collect, compare and analyze trade statistics.  There has been a demand from trade and industry to adopt a common commodity classification code to be used for all trade related transactions.  Moreover, common classification will ensure smoother clearances of goods and help in getting more specific data on commodities and sharing of those data among various agencies.

 2.          In view of the above, President of India has given assent to promulgation of Customs Tariff (Amendment) Ordinance, 2003 (1 to 2003) on 20th January 2003.  The Ordinance proposes to substitute 8-digit customs classification code in place of the present 6-digit classification code with effect from 1st February 2003.  The proposed code is entirely based on 6-digit HSN based code.  Taking into account commodities, which are of special significance to the country’s needs, 6-digit entries are further split up into 8-digit entries wherever required.  There is no change in the scope of headings (4-digit) and sub-headings (6-digit).  Section Notes and Chapter Notes are retained as it is without any change.  However, supplementary notes are added to explain the scope of entries created at the 8-digit level.  The proposed classification code pertains to only classification of commodities and does not seek to effect changes either in the rates of customs duty or the importability of commodities. The 8-digit code has already been adopted by DGFT and ITC Policy with effect from 1st April 2002.  However, some changes have been incorporated.  The 8-digit code in the present form will be adopted by both DGFT and DGCIS as the code is common for customs, DGFT and DGCIS. 

3.          At present, no standard units of measurement are prescribed and the importer is free to declare the quantity the way he chooses.  This makes it difficult to collect trade statistics.  The World Customs Organization has recommended standard units of measurement to be adopted by member countries from international trade.  In order to facilitate the collection, comparison and analysis of trade statistic, the ordinance proposes to standardize the units of measurements declared by the importers by incorporating units of measurement against tariff items (8-digit entries).  The importers may be encouraged to familiarize with the proposed standard units of measurement and use them.  However, this provision will come into effect from a date to be notified soon by the Government. 

4.          The Ordinance including the 8-digit classification code will come into force from 1st February 2003.  The Ordinance including the Schedule is also available on CBEC website (http://www.cbec.gov.in/). Trade is hereby required to indicate 8-digit classification heading for entry in the system and also make suitable changes in their software to avoid any inconvenience. 

Sd/.

(P.KARTHIKEYAN)

COMMISSIONER

Attested 

Sd/.

(M S BHAT)

Superintendent(EDI)