Customs tariff numbers

Customs tariff numbers are crucial for cross-border trade and compliance with regulations such as the Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR). They provide a clear classification system for product groups. Given their importance, Unite requires these numbers as a mandatory field for each item.

You can submit customs tariff numbers either within your catalogue in XML or CSV format, or by using a separate CSV file.

What is a customs tariff number?

A customs tariff number is an internationally standardised number used to uniquely identify goods in international trade and customs processes. In the EU, it consists of 8 to 11 digits:

The first 6 digits form the HS Code (Harmonised System Code), which is uniform worldwide.
Digits 7 and 8 are specific to the EU and are referred to as the 'Combined Nomenclature Code'.
Additional digits may contain national supplements, such as the TARIC Code.

Where can I find the correct customs tariff number?

The legal responsibility for correct customs tariff classification typically rests with the party declaring the goods – usually the importer or manufacturer. You can obtain a complete list from your national statistical office or customs authority.

Implementation in the catalogue (XML format)

Enter the customs tariff number in the <ARTICLE_FEATURES> section.

Example:

<ARTICLE_FEATURES>
<FEATURE>
    <FNAME>customs_customs_tariff_number</FNAME>
    <FVALUE>12345678</FVALUE>
</FEATURE>
</ARTICLE_FEATURES>

If you can't enter the data in the catalogue in XML format, please use a separate CSV file (see below).

Transferring the file to Unite

Transfer your updated catalogue file via SFTP to the corresponding directory as usual. You'll receive a confirmation email afterwards.

Implementation in the catalogue (CSV format)

If you're using our Excel template for catalogue creation, enter the customs tariff number in the ‘products file’ in the columns FNAME1, FVALUE1, FNAME2, FVALUE2.

Note: For details on the 'products file', please refer to the support page How to create your product catalogue: CSV format

If the FVALUE columns are already occupied by other attributes, simply use the next available column (e.g., FNAME24, FVALUE24). If all columns are occupied, you can submit the data via a separate CSV file. Learn more about this in the next section.

Transferring the file to Unite

Please transfer the modified catalogue file to the corresponding directory via SFTP as usual.

Using a separate CSV file (conditions file)

There are two ways to transfer customs tariff numbers via a separate CSV file:

Using an existing CSV conditions file.
Creating a specific CSV file for customs tariff numbers.

1. Using an existing CSV conditions file

If a CSV conditions file is already active for your catalogue, simply add the corresponding columns.

Note: For detailed information on CSV file creation, please refer to the support article Conditionsfile (CSV)

Structure of the CSV file

The CSV file requires the following columns:

Explanation:

Column	Example	Explanation
SUPPLIER_AID	122345	Item number
FEATURE_NAME1	customs_customs_tariff_number
FEATURE_VALUE1	23564851	8-digit customs tariff number

Note: If the rows FEATURE_NAME1 and FEATURE_VALUE1 are already taken, use the next available number, e.g., FEATURE_NAME24 and FEATURE_VALUE24.

Transferring the existing CSV conditions file

You can transfer your already activated CSV conditions file to the SFTP directory of your catalogue as usual.

2. Creating CSV conditions file specifically for customs tariff numbers

You can set up a specific CSV file used exclusively for customs tariff numbers. In this case, create the Excel table for the CSV separately and add the information mentioned in 1.) for each of your items.

Saving the file

File > Save As > File Type: "CSV (Comma delimited) (.csv)"

Naming the file

Name the file according to the following scheme: ccatalogueID_tariffnumber.csv

Note: Your CatalogueID was provided to you during the Unite onboarding process. Please adhere to the file naming convention. Without correct naming, the CSV file cannot be processed.

Transferring the specific CSV file

Transfer the separate CSV file catalogueID_tariffnumber.csv to the SFTP directory of your catalogue. After the first transfer, there may be a short delay as we need to activate the file in the system. Once this process is complete, we'll send an email to the address stored in your catalogue management profile.

Tip: Send your CSV file to support@unite.eu for review in advance. We'll check the format and return it to you as quickly as possible.