Comparison of HS codes of Russia and China

April 1, 2025 1071 views

Differences in the HS codes of Russia and China are important for the correct classification of goods.

The commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity plays a key role in international trade, as it allows to classify goods for the correct application of tariffs, duties and taxes. While Russia and China use a harmonized code system (HS), in practice there are differences in the classification and details of goods. In this article, we will take a closer look at these differences and the impact on foreign trade between countries.

Structure of HS codes

TN FEA of Russia

The Russian HS system consists of 12 characters:

First 6 signs International codes according to the Harmonized System (HS) used in most countries of the world, including Russia and China.
7-8 signs specify the classification of goods within the framework of Russian legislation, for example, to regulate the domestic market.
9-12 signs are used for additional classifications, which may include tax and customs specifics, as well as specific conditions for certification or packaging of goods.

HS China

The Chinese FEA system consists of 10 characters:

First 6 signs International codes on the HS system.
7-8 signs Internal Chinese codes for more accurate classification of goods in the context of Chinese customs and trade conditions.
9-10 signs - serve for detailed classification of goods, including environmental or tax features relevant only in China.

Differences in classification of goods

Additional codes for internal classification

Both countries use the international HS classification for most goods, but differences arise in additional marks. For example:

In Russia, additional 4 characters in the FEA code may include information on certification, as well as tax benefits and features of charging.
In China, these signs often refer to environmental standards or the classification of goods into consumer categories, which is important for domestic tax and trade regulations.

Example of differences

Let’s say the product is a mobile phone:

In Russia, the FEA code for a mobile phone may include additional signs that indicate tax features or certification for the domestic market.
In China, additional labels can be used for the same product that take into account, for example, packaging requirements or environmental standards.

This means that similar goods in both countries may have different additional classification codes, which may affect their duty and other tax conditions.

Impact on tariffs and duties

Differences in tariffs based on HS

Although the basic code of goods in the HS of Russia and China coincides at the level of 6 characters, duties, taxes and additional fees may differ, since the internal classification of goods in each country may include additional rules.

Russia: Duties, taxes and other charges are calculated on the basis of a 12-digit code, where the last 4 characters are relevant for the specific classification of goods within the Russian customs system.
China: Tariffs may differ due to stricter eco-certifications and environmental regulations that matter for import tariffs.

Example of tariff differences

For a product such as an electric car:

In Russia, it can be classified according to one code, but with additional signs that take into account benefits for environmentally friendly goods, which reduces the duty.
In China, a different code can be applied for a similar product, taking into account special subsidies for the production and import of electric vehicles, which affects tariffs and taxes.

Thus, differences in the codes of the HS can affect the cost of imports and exports of goods.

Differences in customs clearance practices

Features of registration of goods at the border

In Russia, HS codes may require a detailed description of goods, including their certification, packaging and origin, which greatly complicates the procedure for registration at customs.
In China, the emphasis is on environmental standards, and often when importing goods it is necessary to provide additional documents confirming compliance with environmental standards.

Example of differences in customs clearance

If the product is glass bottles:

In Russia, detailed information on the composition, quality and certification of goods will be required.
China will require a document confirming that the goods meet environmental standards and packaging disposal conditions, which can increase the time for customs clearance.

How differences in HS affect business

The main differences between the HS of Russia and China are associated with additional signs that clarify the classification of goods within each country. These differences concern tariffs, duties, tax breaks, and certification and environmental standards requirements. Therefore, the correct understanding and use of these codes is critical to successful foreign trade.

Business recommendations:

Attention to detail: When processing documents for export or import of goods, it is important to specify all the signs of the HS in accordance with the requirements of each country.
Professional advice: It is recommended to work with customs brokers to avoid errors in the classification of goods and incorrect calculations of duties and taxes.
Understanding Internal Classification: For successful business, it is important to take into account not only the international classification, but also the peculiarities of the domestic legislation of China and Russia.

Thus, differences in the codes of the HS of Russia and China are important for the correct classification of goods, compliance with duty requirements and successful passage of customs procedures.