Taric Index: what it is and how to find it
What you need to know about the integrated Community tariff and its recent updates.
What is TARIC?
The national TARIC (integrated Community tariff) is an information tool for operators and offices involved in international trade, containing the collection of provisions, obligations, and taxes to which goods are subject upon entry into the customs territory of the Community (release for free circulation or importation as well as exportation and intra-Community trade), and of Community and national tariff and commercial legislation.
TARIC uses a 10-digit code to classify goods, recognized internationally.
The first 6 digits make up the Harmonized System (HS), the same all over the world (WTO countries).
The 7th and 8th make up the Combined Nomenclature code, for export customs declarations from the EU and Intrastat.
The 9th and 10th digits make up the TARIC used for the importation of goods into the EU.
How to find the Taric code?
If you need to find the TARIC code of a good, the first thing to do is to describe the product well: what it is, how it is made, what it is used for, and what materials it is composed of.
The more details you have, the easier it will be to identify the correct code.
At this point, you can consult the official TARIC database, available on the European Commission website. It is an online tool that allows you to search by keyword or browse through the various product categories.
Alternatively, the Italian Customs Agency website also provides access to the customs tariff and useful regulatory references.
Customs classification
The customs classification of goods is the responsibility of customs operators, who must identify the exact classification code corresponding to the imported or exported product, to be indicated in customs declarations even when represented at customs by a direct or indirect representative.
Once the TARIC code is identified, the applicable customs duties can be determined.
Customs operators prevent irregularities and ensure they comply with national and international customs regulations.
It is always their responsibility to rectify in the event of any errors.
Furthermore, this work brings tangible advantages to economic operators, such as reducing tax burdens and operational import costs, and defining customs planning and strategy.
Taric Update 2024
On October 31, 2023, the European Commission published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2364, amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff.
This update entered into force on January 1, 2024, and aims to remove obsolete codes and add new product categories in line with innovation and technological development.
In particular, this regulation introduces amendments to the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of goods, a series of eight-digit codes that classify goods for tariff and statistical purposes in the European Union.
The first six digits of each CN code derive from the Harmonized System, while the last two are defined autonomously by the EU, with each code associated with a specific description and duty measures.
Contact an expert in customs operations and Taric
Even though the TARIC portal is freely accessible to everyone, correctly interpreting customs codes and related measures can prove complicated for those who do not have an in-depth knowledge of the regulations.
To avoid errors or delays in international shipments, it is always advisable to turn to a specialized operator.
Thanks to its long experience in international transport and customs operations, Transmec assists companies in all phases of customs clearance: from the correct classification of goods to the management of the necessary documentation.
Request a consultation from one of our experts.