ITC-HS Codes

HSN is Harmonised System of Nomenclature. It was developed by the World Customs Organization.  It is a multipurpose International product nomenclature. The code is called the universal economic language for goods. The code comprises of more than 5000 commodity groups. HS code is a six-digit identification code.

Indian HS Code

ITC-HS Codes or better known as Indian Trade Clarification based on Harmonized System of Coding was adopted in India for import-export operations. Indian custom uses an eight digit ITC-HS Codes to suit the national trade requirements.

Any changes or formulation or addition of new codes in ITC-HS Codes are carried out by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). Commodity description, weeding out of defunct codes, addition of new codes, change of product description etc., are taken up periodically as a part of the ongoing process towards perfection.

Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the agency of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for administering laws regarding foreign trade. DGFT provides a complete searchable database of all exporters and importers of India. The Central Government appoints any person to be the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Normally a member of the Indian Administrative Service having rendered 30 or more years is appointed to the post of the Director-General of Foreign Trade. The Director-General is an Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India. The Director-General advises the central Government in the formulation of Foreign Trade Policy and is responsible for carrying out that Policy.