International Classification of Goods

Quite a long time there was a classification of goods in international trade, but relatively recently it has received serious development. Now it performs several important functions that help the work of customs, as well as the functioning of not only national economies, but the entire world economic system as a whole. Classification makes it possible to make sure that everyone understands under the same or another commodity the same, so that there are no misunderstandings and misunderstandings. But with any of these systems you need to be able to work, because it will be difficult for a layman to understand them.

There are several systems, but the most famous of them are the International Classification of Goods and Services (MKTU), the harmonized system in the world, and in Russia, also TN VED - the commodity nomenclature of foreign trade activities. The first is used mainly for registration of trademarks and patenting, and the second and third - for customs clearance of goods.

ICGS already has 10 editions, the latest of which is effective from January 1, 2012. It divides all goods and services into certain classes - 34 classes of goods and 11 - services. This system is mandatory for use if the trademark is registered with an international or national patent office.

The Russian classification of goods in international trade is carried out with the help of TN VED. It allows not only to uniquely identify the goods, but also establishes certain import or export duties on it. This is a rather complex system, working with it requires some special skills and knowledge.

For example, if you can classify a product in several categories, you should choose a more specific one. In case of transportation of multi-component mixtures, the product should be systematized in accordance with the main component. And if two categories can be applied equally, the one that has the largest sequence number should be chosen.

Incorrect classification of goods during customs clearance threatens lengthy proceedings with customs authorities. Now this system is also used throughout the Customs Union.

The nomenclature of the harmonized system is a classification of goods common to the whole world. This system also divides them into some groups of 5 levels, so that the identification of a particular product is completely Is unambiguous. The category is coded with a six-digit number. This system is practically inclusive, so that the designation of the goods belonging to a particular group usually does not constitute a serious problem, of course, for specialists.

All these systems that classify products help not only to speed up and facilitate the customs clearance of goods crossing the border, but also have the function of collecting statistics. With the help of these systems, you can always find out how much of a particular product has been imported into or exported from the country. True, even these systems can not prevent scammers, smugglers and intruders from committing crimes that contradict the customs code.