Customs
Questions and Answers
Can I take a sensor with me?
Definitely NOT!!!
Wherever you arrive, you have to declare the sensor and go through the red channel.
Since you carry a dual use item, it can take days to get the needed permission.
Additionally, you may have to pay import tax.
Better send the sensor to us for repair.
Can I take other items with me?
Yes, you can take all other items with you.
But you have to declare them (red channel), since most items will exceed the customs allowance.
E.g. you pay 19% import tax.
E.g. you refund the import tax when you return home with the item.
… for repair, see below.
Take an item with me for repair?
Better not!
In case we repair an item, we “add value” to the item.
So when you return, you have to declare the item, add the value, and pay import tax.
You may be overloaded with paperwork.
Better send the item to us for repair.
Why is metronix so strict?
We are not strict, but we have to follow the rules.
And we are a company which is doing a lot of export.
Therefore we are under customs control.
HS Code
The HS code is the Harmonized System Code, which is an international nomenclature for the classification of products.
The HS code is used for customs clearance.
Also known as Customs Tariff or Customs Code or Commodity Code.
The TARIC code is the Tarif Integré Communautaire, which is the integrated tariff of the European Community.
For our data loggers we use 90158020 wich is same as 9015.80.20 or 9015 8020
Code Number |
Formal Structure |
|---|---|
90 |
Chapter - harmonised system |
9015 |
Heading - harmonised system Surveying (including photogrammetrical surveying), hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances, excluding compasses; rangefinders |
9015 80 |
Subheading - harmonised system Other instruments and appliances |
9015 8020 |
Subheading - combined nomenclature Meteorological, hydrological and geophysical instruments and apparatus |
9015 8020 00 |
Subheading - TARIC/Community use |
9015 8020 00 0 |
Code number - Electronic customs tariff/national use |
Not all subheadings are available in all countries.
The 9015 80 HS-Code must be available in all countries. The second subheading may differ. Some call it HTS code.
India
EU 9015 8020 (Meteorological, hydrological and geophysical instruments and apparatus) IN 9015 8030 (Geophysical instruments)
Argentina
Argentina uses the MERCOSUR Common Nomenclature, known as the Nomenclatura Común del MERCOSUR (NCM); that is close to the U.S. HS or HTS code.
9015.80 Los demás instrumentos y aparatos (https://www.mercosur.int/politica-comercial/ncm/)
(not clear if further subheadings exist)
9015.80.90 Los demás (others)
9015.90 Partes y accesorios
U.S.A.
Same. Most likely 9015.80.20 with “dots” instead of spaces.
Understanding the HS Code
Let us make an example for our E-Field cable, 50m on reel:
The HS Code is 9015 9000
Why is it not 854449?
Well, 854449 is for general electrical supply. You may import several 1000m length for your construction site.
Our cable, mounted on a reel, is a special item. AND it has these expensive waterproof ODU connectors in order to be connected to our data logger
All together this makes it a special item, used for geophysical measurements.
From the customs point of view, the “value” is dominated by the use with a geophysical instrument. Nobody buys this cable to connect a water boiler.
Our HS codes are correct and compliant with the customs regulations of the EU.
Why we not change numbers?
metronix is licensed to make electronic customs declarations.
We sell always (let’s say) 4 x 9015 9000 (E-Field cable) and 1 x 9015 8020 (data logger).
And now 4 x 854449 (what cable?) and 1 x 9015 8020 (what data logger).
The supervising authority will ask questions … and we may lose our license.