What Is a TARIC Code?
TARIC stands for Tarif Intégré Communautaire (Integrated Tariff of the European Communities). It is the EU's comprehensive tariff database that assigns a 10-digit code to every product that can be imported into the European Union.
While the international HS code (6 digits) tells you what a product is, and the Combined Nomenclature (8 digits) narrows it down for the EU, the TARIC code (10 digits) tells you exactly what duties, restrictions, and trade measures apply.
The TARIC database is maintained by the European Commission (DG TAXUD) and updated daily. It is the single authoritative source for all EU import duties and trade measures.
TARIC vs HS Code vs CN Code: What's the Difference?
These three coding systems build on top of each other:
HS Code (6 digits)
International standard maintained by the World Customs Organization. Used in 200+ countries. Example: 8518.30 = Headphones.
CN Code (8 digits)
EU Combined Nomenclature — extends the HS code with EU-specific subdivisions. Published annually. Used for EU export declarations and trade statistics. Example: 8518.30.00.
TARIC Code (10 digits)
Adds 2 more digits for EU-specific trade measures: anti-dumping duties, tariff quotas, preferential rates, surveillance. Required for all EU import declarations. Example: 8518.30.00.90.
What Does a TARIC Code Contain?
A TARIC code is more than just a product identifier. It links to a complete set of trade measures:
MFN Duty Rate
The standard "Most Favoured Nation" duty rate applied to imports from WTO member countries without a preferential trade agreement.
Preferential Tariffs
Reduced or zero duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences), and other preferential arrangements.
Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties
Additional duties imposed on specific products from specific countries to counter unfair trade practices. These can add 10-80% on top of the MFN rate.
Tariff Quotas
Limited quantities of goods that may be imported at reduced rates. Once the quota is filled, the standard rate applies.
Tariff Suspensions
Temporary duty reductions for raw materials or components not sufficiently available in the EU, typically used by manufacturers.
Import Restrictions
Licensing requirements, health certificates, CITES permits, dual-use controls, and other non-tariff measures tied to the code.
How to Look Up a TARIC Code
There are several ways to find the right TARIC code and its associated duties:
EU TARIC Database (official)
The European Commission provides a free online TARIC consultation tool. Enter a product code or keyword to browse the nomenclature and view all applicable measures.
National Customs Portals
Many EU member states provide their own customs tariff portals with additional national measures (e.g., Dutch Customs "Gebruikstarief", German "EZT-online").
AI-Powered Classification
Tools like Import8 can determine the correct TARIC code from a product description or photo, and immediately show all applicable duty rates.
Look up duties for any TARIC code instantly:
Free Duty CalculatorHow TARIC Codes Are Updated
Unlike the international HS code (updated every 5 years), the TARIC database changes frequently:
- ● Daily: Anti-dumping duties, safeguard measures, and tariff quotas can change at any time based on EU regulations.
- ● Annually (January 1): The Combined Nomenclature is updated, which may create, split, merge, or remove TARIC codes.
- ● Every 5 years: The WCO Harmonized System revision cascades into all CN and TARIC codes (next update: 2027).
This means a TARIC code valid today might not exist tomorrow. Always verify against the current database before filing a declaration.
TARIC Codes in Practice: An Example
Let's trace a real product through the TARIC system:
Product: Stainless steel vacuum insulated water bottle, 500ml, from China
HS 7323.93 — Table, kitchen or other household articles of stainless steel
CN 7323.93.90 — Other (not cookware)
TARIC 7323.93.90.00 — Full EU code
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An HS code has 6 digits and is used internationally. A TARIC code has 10 digits and is specific to the EU. The first 6 digits of a TARIC code are the HS code, but the additional 4 digits contain EU-specific subdivisions and trade measures.
The European Commission provides a free TARIC consultation tool online. You can also use Import8's free duty calculator to look up any TARIC code and see all applicable rates.
For EU exports, you need an 8-digit CN code, not a 10-digit TARIC code. The TARIC's extra 2 digits are only used for import measures. However, some third countries may require their own 10-digit codes.
When codes change (usually January 1), customs authorities publish correlation tables mapping old codes to new ones. You must update your declarations to use the current codes. Using expired codes will result in rejected declarations.
In rare cases, the same product could be classified under different codes depending on its specific characteristics (material, intended use, presentation). This is where the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and chapter notes become critical. When in doubt, request a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from your customs authority.
