Qatar Chamber hosted monday a workshop on the Integrated GCC Customs Tariff.
The event was held in the attendance of Hussein al-Marri, head of the Tariff and Origin Section at the Customs Policies and Procedures Department at the General Authority of Customs (GAC).
The workshop focused on introducing the Customs Harmonised System (HS) Code, an international standardised numerical method for classifying traded goods on a common basis for customs purposes.
It serves as a global language for assigning specific codes to commodities, known as HS codes, which include customs duty categories, collectively referred to as the customs tariff.
During the event, al-Marri said Qatar started applying the HS in 1995 and joined the Harmonised System Agreement in 2004. He noted that from January 1, 2025, the customs tariff will change from an eight-digit to a 12-digit harmonised code, which will apply to all GCC countries.
He emphasised the importance of the HS Code in streamlining and organising the customs clearance process and facilitating the international circulation of goods.
It simplifies customs clearance through registration authorities and ensures compatibility with the HS of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
Additionally, it helps statistical agencies produce accurate annual reports on exports and imports, supports research offices in analysing market demand and trends, and aids in classifying sub-products. Furthermore, it enables customs agencies to identify products and their applicable customs duty categories.
He underscored the role of the HS Code in facilitating trade negotiations between countries, highlighting that it serves as a global language that ensures the accurate identification of goods to be negotiated for bilateral, regional, or international agreements.
Al-Marri also noted that the HS is managed by the WCO and is updated every five years. He emphasised that it serves as the foundation for goods classification systems used in most countries worldwide.
Hussein al-Marri, head of the Tariff and Origin Section at the Customs Policies and Procedures Department at the General Authority of Customs.
