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Meaning, significance of HS Code in import/ export of goods

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HS codes are product identification numbers used in international trade that are recognized by most countries. 
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) manages the HS codes, which are widely used by businesses and customs officials to identify commodities. 
 Harmonized commodity description and coding system or HS is a term utilized for the classification of globally traded products by names and numbers.
 In this article, we will discuss the HS Code and its significance in import and export.

Everything you need to know about HS Code

The World Customs Organization’s Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System is known as the Harmonized System (HS) Classification.
 It is an international system for classifying goods for customs purposes, giving each category of goods a special 6-digit HS code.
 The Customs Cooperation Council first used the system in 1983. Although most nations in the globe have standardized their HS codes, there are notable exceptions.
The word “harmonized commodity description and coding system,” or “HS,” is known as the system of naming and numbering things that are traded internationally.
 The average HS Code contains 6 digits. These six numbers are then categorized into three groups of two digits each.
The HS Code’s structure is considered to be this. The HS Code is written as follows: 420222.
A description of the imported or exported product is provided for every set of two digits.

The first 2 digits Include: the HS chapter (the type of commodity)
The second 2 digits Include: HS heading (raw material information)
Third 2 Digi Includes: HS subheading (finished or non-finished good)

Rules for Harmonised System and HS codes.

There are certain rules that govern and manage the Harmonised System and HS codes. These are:

1. General Rules for Harmonised System:

These make sure that a certain product is exclusively linked to one heading (and subsection) and none else.

There are six general rules of interpretation (GRI), and they are arranged in ascending order, starting with GRI 1 and continuing through GRI 6 and 7.

GRI 1 states that “classification is considered by the terms of the headings and of the section or chapter notes”.

 If a classification cannot be thus determined, then GRI 2 to GRI 5 is applied.
GRI 2 has two parts. GRI 2 (a) extends the scope of a heading to cover not just completed products but also “incomplete”, “unfinished”, “unassembled” or “disassembled” products, provided they have the “essential character” of the finished product.
GRI 3 lays down the rules for classifying goods that fall under more than one heading.
GRI 4 applies to goods not specifically covered by any heading (perhaps because they are newly introduced).
GRI 5 applies to the classification of boxes, containers, and cases in which commodities are packed (cases for cameras, guns, jewelry, etc.).
The classification of any packaging that is not covered under GRI 5 is left to the discretion of countries.
GRI 6 contains a classification of goods in the sub-headings.

Importance of HS Code in the Import and Export of goods.

The HS harmonized system code is essential because it interprets the product’s information and enables both parties to avoid unintentional catalog-based confusion during the exchange.
 The further components that heavily required HS Codes are as follows:

HS Code for Import and Export
The most crucial action for shippers to do before arriving at the import and export markets is to assign an HS Code.

The importance of the HS code could be considered by importers and exporters.
Most frequently, providers just acquire purchase orders from importers and send their products without having Export Import Data of an item’s HS code.
 It is not a good business practice to ship before assigning an HS code as this can lead to significant issues that could be expensive, detrimental to both parties’ primary companies, and damaging to one’s reputation.
Following are the other elements where HS Codes are primarily required:

Import and export tariff rates are certain of the product category.

Acquire and analyze Global Trade data.
Internal taxes and liability to pay.
HS Code for Government Officials
HS Codes are significant for government officials to identify goods being imported and exported in order to acquire the proper taxes.

Harmonized System Codes are referred to as HS Codes.

HS classification codes can be seen as the last obstacle that products must overcome before shipping is complete.
Aside from aiding in the clearance of products through customs, these 6–10-digit numbers known as Harmonized Tariff Codes serve two primary functions and purposes:

They identify the goods that cross a nation’s borders for import or export.

Products are categorized and classified in a global system that is utilized for customs clearance.
How to Find HS Code with EximPedia?
HS codes are significant. A business must specify its business scope, which combines the HS codes of the goods it intends to import, export, and trade, as part of the registration procedure.
This list will ultimately determine whether the company needs additional licenses and what steps are required to be taken.
The HS Code list also assists exporters and importers in avoiding frequent foreign exchange issues such as exchange halts at the border, denial of access to import privileges, and additional fines.
 EximPedia is a platform where you can obtain your product-specific HS code. They will help to find out the HS code for your products.
They also provide Import Export data, Global trade data, and Custom Data and provide you updated HS codes to grow your business greatly.

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Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.
According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.
This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.
The Programme, according to the NCS,  also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per  through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.
However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.
The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.
The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.
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Customs

Customs takes delivery, commissions 60- bed hospital donated by BUA Group in Bauchi

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, officially commissioned the Abdul Samad Rabiu / Nigeria Customs Service Hospital in Bauchi, a 60-bed healthcare facility constructed and donated by Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of ASR Africa and Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group.
The hospital, delivered through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, is expected to significantly expand healthcare access for Customs officers, their families and host communities across Zone ‘D’ and neighbouring states.
Describing the project as a strategic welfare investment, the CGC said the facility reflects the Service’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through improved personnel wellbeing.
 “This commissioning is a clear statement that the NCS prioritises the health and welfare of its officers,” he stated.
“A modern Service requires not only technology and operational reforms, but also strong social infrastructure that supports those who serve.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, emphasised the intervention’s sustainability focus.
“ASR Africa is committed to impact-driven philanthropy,” he said. “Our partnership with the NCS demonstrates what can be achieved when private sector commitment aligns with institutional reform and clear developmental goals.”
Also delivering a message on behalf of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, described the commissioning as a boost to the state’s healthcare ecosystem.
“This facility will complement existing public health institutions and improve access to specialised services,” he said.
 “It reflects the value of collaboration between government and responsible corporate entities.”
The hospital’s commissioning marks the culmination of a phased transformation that began in 2008 with the establishment of a basic health post at the Zone ‘D’ Headquarters, Bauchi.
It was subsequently upgraded to a clinic, and later a medical centre, before a 2023 partnership between the NCS and ASR Africa converted it into a 30-bed hospital, completed in April 2025.
Following a needs assessment, the CGC approved the remodelling and expansion of the facility into a 60-bed secondary healthcare facility with selected tertiary services.
Now equipped with seven clinical departments: Nursing Services, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, alongside Administrative and Health Information Management units, as well as Dental, Radiology and Nutrition units.
The hospital is projected to manage up to 300 patients per month during its first operational year.
Long-term expansion plans include advanced diagnostics such as CT scans and MRI, as well as specialised surgical procedures, positioning the facility as a referral centre across the North-East and parts of North-Central Nigeria.
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Customs

Ahead of Customs’ paperless operations in June, Comptroller Onyeka declares Tin Can Customs trade enabler

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Barely few days after the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced that the Customs will migrate to paperless operations in June, 2026, the Tin Can command of the Service has made an elaborate preparation to key into the digital platform.
Even though, the Customs High Command is yet to release the blue print for the take -off of the digital revolution in goods clearance, the Controller of Tin Can Customs, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has declared that his command is ready to hit the ground running.
To this end, Comptroller Onyeka has declared Tin Can Island Customs as a trade enabler where seamless operations will be the order of the day.
While speaking with the maritime media on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, Onyeka stated that as long as an importer or his agent makes an honest declaration and the consignment is not flagged, such goods will leave the customs control within the 48 hours clearance time being envisaged by the Customs under its paperless operations regime.
Comptroller Onyeka further disclosed that his command will aim at collecting collectable revenue instead of maximum revenue which often leaves no room for trader to handle logistics costs and other sundry charges.
“By focusing on collectable revenue, we ensure that the trader makes profit, return to the market and continues to contribute to the society.
“I want to be known as a trade enabler personified” Comptroller Onyeka enthused.
While making projection into the year 2026, the Customs chief said the command recorded a lot of positives in 2025 when it surpassed the revenue target for that year and when a record revenue collection of 26 billion was recorded in a single day, a feat that was unprecedented in the history of the command.
Onyeka said the command started the year 2026 on a good revenue trajectory with the collection of  N145. 9bn in January, representing a 25.3 percent increase when compared to the N116.4billon  collected in January 2025.
He acknowledged the support of the media for its “constructive reportage” which acted as a catalyst for the good performance of the command in 2025.
While soliciting for the continued support of journalists in 2026, Comptroller Onyeka said his officers have been well primed to confront the challenges ahead.
He dismissed the fears of possible network glitches which stakeholders expressed may hamper the success of the paperless operations, saying such eventuality will be surmounted just as the teething problems which plagued B’ Odogwu platform at take off were conquered.
“Despite the teething problems with B’Odogwu,  we have recorded tremendous success, so we are ready for the paperless operations.
“There could be network issues but I want to urge the trading public to build capacity.
“With that, you can complete container clearance entirely online, with no physical contact with customs officers.
“If your declaration is not flagged, the process will be seamless, there will be no reason to come and see anyone.
“We cannot guarantee a perfect system from day one, but those challenges will not stop us.
” The more traders declare correctly and honestly, the smoother this process becomes for everyone,” he declared while advising importers to palletise their consignments.
It could be recalled that while launching the Customs’ One- Stop- Shop(OSS) on Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the Service is advancing toward a fully paperless customs environment, with the first phase of digital clearance and documentation processes scheduled for rollout by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
“This platform is a deliberate shift from fragmented interventions to coordinated governance, from discretion to data, and from isolated actions to collective responsibility,” Adeniyi had declared.
 “Through this reform, we continue to build systems that support lawful trade, protect national interests and serve the economy with professionalism and integrity.” he concluded.
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