Commodity code 68151090 identifies specific articles made from stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials, classifying them under an "Other" category within the globally recognized Harmonized System (HS) of product classification.
Understanding the Harmonized System (HS) Codes
The Harmonized System, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), is an international nomenclature for the classification of traded products. It serves as a universal economic language and code for goods, crucial for international trade and customs procedures worldwide.
Key purposes of HS codes include:
- Facilitating Trade: Standardizes product descriptions, making it easier for customs authorities to process goods across borders.
- Determining Tariffs: Customs duties and taxes are typically based on a product's HS code.
- Collecting Trade Statistics: Governments use these codes to monitor and analyze international trade flows.
- Enforcing Regulations: HS codes help in applying import/export controls, quotas, and other trade policies.
Decoding Commodity Code 68151090
The eight-digit commodity code 68151090 falls under Chapter 68 of the Harmonized System. This chapter broadly covers "Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials."
The specific code 68151090 is used to classify "Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials" that are not more specifically defined by other, more precise subheadings within Chapter 68. The "Other" designation typically implies a residual category for items that fall under the general description but don't have their own distinct code.
Examples of items that might be classified under 68151090 could include:
- Miscellaneous non-refractory articles manufactured from stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, or mica, not specified elsewhere within the Harmonized System.
- Certain industrial components or parts made from these materials that serve various purposes without a more specialized classification.
- Various finished or semi-finished goods from these materials that do not fit into other specific sub-categories of the Harmonized System.
Importance in Global Trade and Logistics
Accurate classification using HS codes like 68151090 is vital for businesses involved in international trade. It directly impacts:
- Customs Clearance: Correct codes prevent delays and penalties.
- Duty Calculations: Ensures the correct tariffs are applied, affecting product cost.
- Compliance: Helps businesses adhere to import and export regulations in different countries.
- Market Analysis: Provides data for understanding market trends and opportunities for products made of these materials.
By precisely identifying "Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials" that are classified as "Other," code 68151090 plays a critical role in standardizing global trade for a diverse range of products.
