3. Harmonized System (HS) Convention

3.2. Article 3: Obligations of Contracting Parties

On signing the Convention, Contracting Parties are bound to adopt the HS as-is. The table below summarizes what is and is not permitted.

Area

Rule

Texts & codes

May not be amended in any way that changes scope or order of headings/subheadings

Domestic law amendments

Permitted only where necessary to give effect to HS. It must not affect scope

Additional subdivisions

Allowed in its domestic tariff for goods that are not given separate status in the HS Nomenclature, but only below the existing HS subheading level (e.g. 7th/8th digit)

HS itself

Cannot be changed by a Contracting Party — only the HS Committee may amend