Suva, Fiji, January 18, 2022– The Pacific Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (PACHS) 2022 is now in effect as of January 1, 2022.
PACHS 2022 is adapted from the Harmonized tariff classification System (HS) used by 200 economies across the globe and adapted for use within the Pacific Customs administrations to identify tariffs, impose correct taxes and collect international trade statistics; it was accepted by the OCO Heads of Customs during their annual meeting on August 26, 2021. PACHS 2022 has been reviewed by OCO members, technical agencies such as the Pacific Community (SPC), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), United National Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) and World Health Organisation (WHO).
Preparations for the updated coding system have been ongoing since 2020, OCO and other development partners-Pacific Community (SPC), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), United National Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD), World Health Organisation (WHO) and New Zealand Customs Service have been conducting workshops and trainings to help customs administrations in the region interpret and apply HS 2022 and its amendments.
The upgrading of PACHS is in line with the WCO HS 2022, and with a total of 351 sets of amendments covering a wide range of goods moving across borders. Some amendments as announced by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) include specific provisions for the classification of electrical and electronic waste, commonly referred to as e-waste to assist countries in their work under the Basel Convention. “OCO will continue to offer its support to all its 23 members in the implementation of PACHS 2022 considering its significant importance in customs functions such as determining customs tariffs for imported and exported goods, and calculating correct taxes whilst gathering trade statistics for use by Government and non-government agencies ,” OCO Head of Secretariat, Mr. Richard Brennan said. He added “PACHS 2022 is critical in the harmonization of tariff nomenclature amongst the Pacific Island Countries to simplify intra-regional trade transaction and enhance the quality of trade statistics compiled in the region, we are very grateful to the input from SPC and our technical working group for the assistance in developing PACHS 2022”.
PACHS 2022 is currently available to OCO Members only. Click here to view document.
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About OCO: OCO is a grouping of 23 customs administrations in the Pacific region. It facilitates regional cooperation, information sharing and capacity building of its members with the overall target of supporting economic growth and improved border security in the Pacific.