How to Find HS Codes in Malaysia
There are two main ways to find your HS Code in Malaysia:
1. Use the JKDM HS Explorer
The JKDM HS Explorer is a free online tool provided by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM). To use the tool, follow these steps:
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Go to the JKDM HS Explorer website: http://mysstext.customs.gov.my/tariff/
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Click on the “Tariff” tab.
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Select “PDK2017” under the “Tariff Type” column.
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Under the “Search Criteria” tab, select either “Item Description” or “HS Code”.
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If you are searching by item description, enter a keyword or phrase that describes your product.
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If you are searching by HS Code, enter the HS Code you are looking for.
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Click on the “Search” button.
The tool will return a list of HS Codes that match your search criteria. You can then click on an HS Code to view more information about it, including the product description, tariff rate, and any applicable import or export restrictions.
2. Contact the Royal Malaysian Customs Department
If you are still unsure how to find your HS Code, contact the Royal Malaysian Customs Department for assistance. You can do this by:
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Calling the JKDM Customer Service Center at 03-7806 7200.
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Sending an email to http://www.customs.gov.my/en
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Visiting the JKDM headquarters in Putrajaya or any of its branch offices.
Please note that the JKDM may charge a fee for providing classification advice.
How to Get an HS Code for Shipping
To obtain an HS Code for shipping in Malaysia, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify your product: Clearly define the product you intend to ship, ensuring you have accurate details about its composition, usage, and manufacturing process.
2. Utilise online HS Code resources: Employ online HS Code lookup tools from reputable sources, such as the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM).
3. Search by product description: Enter keywords or phrases that accurately describe your product into the search bar of the HS Code lookup tool.
4. Refine your search: Narrow your search results by filtering options based on product category, material, or specific characteristics.
5. Verify the HS Code: Cross-check the HS Code you identified with other sources, such as industry databases or trade manuals, to ensure accuracy.
6. Seek expert assistance: If you encounter difficulties determining the correct HS Code, consider seeking guidance from customs brokers, trade consultants, or the JKDM directly.
7. Maintain documentation: Record your HS Code search process, including the keywords used, resources consulted, and the final HS Code obtained.
Accurately identifying the HS Code is crucial for ensuring customs compliance, calculating import duties and taxes, and facilitating seamless international trade.
HS Code vs Customs Code
In Malaysia, the terms “HS Code” and “Customs Code” are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings.
HS Code is a Harmonized System Code, an international standardized system for classifying traded goods. It is used by over 200 countries and economies worldwide, including Malaysia. The HS Code is a six-digit code structured hierarchically, with each digit representing a more specific classification level.
On the other hand, the Customs Code is a broader term encompassing all of the laws, regulations, and procedures governing the import, export, and transit of goods in Malaysia. The Customs Code includes the HS Code and other provisions relating to customs duties, tariffs, quotas, and prohibited goods.
In short, the HS Code is a specific type of code used for classifying goods, while the Customs Code is a broader set of rules and regulations that govern international trade.
Here is a table that summarises the key differences between the HS Code and the Customs Code in Malaysia:
| Feature | HS Code | Customs Code |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Classify goods | Regulate international trade |
| Scope | International | National |
| Structure | Six-digit code | A comprehensive set of laws, regulations, and procedures |
| Use | Determine import duties, tariffs, quotas, and prohibited goods | Facilitate customs clearance, ensure compliance with trade laws, and protect national interests |
HS Code vs Tariff Code
In Malaysia, the terms “HS Code” and “Tariff Code” are often used interchangeably and are indeed closely related. However, there are some subtle distinctions between the two:
HS Code (Harmonized System Code):
- An international standardized system for classifying traded goods.
- It is used by over 200 countries and economies worldwide, including Malaysia.
- A six-digit code that represents a hierarchical classification of goods.
- Determines import duties, tariffs, quotas, and prohibited goods.
Tariff Code:
- A national code used to identify goods for tariff purposes.
- Based on the HS Code, it may have additional digits for further classification.
- Determines the specific import duty rate for a particular product.
- Used for customs clearance, trade statistics, and trade policy analysis.
The HS Code provides a broad framework for classifying goods, while the Tariff Code is the specific implementation of that classification for a particular country. The HS Code is the foundation upon which the Tariff Code is built.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | HS Code | Tariff Code |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | International | National |
| Purpose | Classify goods | Determine import duties |
| Structure | Six-digit code | Six-digits or more |
| Use | Facilitate international trade | Customs clearance, trade statistics, trade policy analysis |
So, while HS and Tariff codes are often used interchangeably, they are distinct concepts. The HS Code provides the global framework, while the Tariff Code applies that framework to a specific country’s import duties and regulations.
What is the HS Code for Import Duty
The Harmonized System (HS) Code is a six-digit code that classifies traded products. It is used by customs authorities worldwide to identify products when assessing duties and taxes and for gathering statistics. The HS Code is administrated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and is updated every five years. It is the foundation for the import and export classification systems used in the United States and by many trading partners.
The HS Code determines the import duty rate for a product. The import duty rate is the percentage of the product’s value that must be paid to the importing country’s government. The import duty rate for a product is determined by its HS Code.
For example, the HS Code for laptops is 8471.20. The import duty rate for laptops in the United States is 6.7%. This means that if you import a laptop into the United States from China, you must pay an import duty of 6.7% of the laptop’s value.
The HS Code can also determine if a product is eligible for a preferential tariff rate. A preferential tariff rate is a lower import duty rate applied to products imported from certain countries or under certain trade agreements.
For example, the United States has a free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico called the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Under NAFTA, certain products from Canada and Mexico can be duty-free imported into the United States. The HS Code determines if a product is eligible for duty-free treatment under NAFTA.
In addition to determining import duty rates and preferential tariff eligibility, the HS Code is also used for several other purposes, such as:
- Gathering trade statistics
- Complying with trade laws
- Protecting national interests
The HS Code is an essential tool for international trade. Customs authorities, businesses, and governments worldwide use it.
