Which organization administers the Harmonized System for classifying traded goods?

The organization that administers the Harmonized System for classifying traded goods is the World Customs Organization.

The World Customs Organization, or WCO, maintains the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, commonly called the Harmonized System or HS. Customs administrations use HS codes to identify products consistently when goods cross borders.

The system assigns international product headings and subheadings, while individual countries can add further digits for national tariff and statistical purposes. This means the internationally shared core is usually six digits, with national extensions beyond that level.

The WCO began in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council and adopted its present name in 1994. It is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The WCO and WTO are different organizations: the WCO focuses on customs administration and classification, while the WTO provides the broader framework for trade rules.