USERGUIDE Nigeria Trade Hub HS Classification Tool

The NTH Classification certificate is generated in a PDF file, which may be downloaded and saved orprinted for future reference (See Figure 27). Nigerian Customs Service, 201322

Figure 27- The NTH Classification Certificate Nigerian Customs Service, 201323

Classifying Underspecified Product DescriptionsWhen a product description does not contain enough detail to generate an HS Code automatically, theNTH Classifier will guide the user through the classification process by asking for additionalcharacteristics via multiple choice questions (see Figures 28 and 29).Figure 28- The NTH Classifier asks for additional product information (highlighted) Nigerian Customs Service, 201324

Figure 29- Selecting a product characteristic (highlighted)The number and type of questions posed by the NTH Classifier will vary, depending on how items aredescribed by the user. Tips on how to reduce the number of questions and formulate the most effectiveproduct descriptions can be found in "Tips for Describing Products".In some cases, users may be asked to specify the composition of items. In such cases, numerical valuesmust be entered. The NTH Classifier always expects the answers to such questions to add up to 100%.When a product attribute is chosen, it automatically becomes a "known characteristic" and, if necessary,a new question is asked (see Figure 30). The NTH Classifier stops asking questions when the producthas been sufficiently described, and presents the destination country tariff schedule. Nigerian Customs Service, 201325

Figure 30- The selected attribute becomes a known characteristic (highlighted) Nigerian Customs Service, 201326

Changing the ItemSometimes, the NTH Classifier may identify the item incorrectly. This could lead to a classification error.Therefore, it is very important to verify that the NTH Classifier has understood the submitted productdescription by reviewing the phrase: "Here is what we know about your X" (see Figure 31).Figure 31- Reviewing the item identified by the NTH Classifier (highlighted) Nigerian Customs Service, 201327

If the NTH Classifier has misidentified the item, click on the word "change", which appears next to thephrase "Here is what we know about your X". A dialog box will open automatically. Inside, will be a listof other potential items to choose from (see Figure 32).Figure 32- Changing the item (highlighted)1\s um d d1 ract rt Irill Cv tOII'KCut.I'Vk . C tH.A., ,,.w.PM 826ZoaelA.rt.,.JC1 Nigerian Customs Service, 201328

To change the item that was originally selected by the NTH Classifier, select a new item from the listpresented in the blue dialog box by clicking on it (see Figure 33).Figure 33- Selecting an alternate item (highlighted).' Nigerian Customs Service, 201329

Once another item has been selected, the NTH Classifier automatically begins classifying the newproduct (see Figure 34).Figure 34-The item has been changed (highlighted)Changing Product CharacteristicsIn some cases, it might be necessary to change an "Assumed" or "Known" characteristic. For example, ifa user makes a mistake in selecting a multiple choice answer to a NTH Classifier question, they will haveto change their answer in order to get the correct code. Nigerian Customs Service, 201330

To change an Assumed or Known characteristic, click on the text marked "modify" located in bracketson the right side of the screen opposite the Assumed or Known characteristic (see Figure 35).Figure 35- Modifying product characteristics (highlighted)When "modify" is selected, the NTH Classifier opens a dialog box containing a list of potentialcharacteristics. Modification is done by selecting one of the characteristics presented (see Figure 36).Figure 36- Showing other characteristics (highlighted) Nigerian Customs Service, 201331

When a new characteristic is selected, the NTH Classifier automatically closes the window and amendsthe list of known or assumed characteristics (see Figure 37).Figure 37- Product characteristic is revised (highlighted)NOTE: Assumed or Known characteristics can be changed at any point during the classification process.Any change to a product's characteristics will likely result in a change to the products ultimatecommodity code. Nigerian Customs Service, 201332

Legal Notes and CommentariesIn addition to presenting the destination country tariff schedule, the NTH Classifier also presents theHarmonized System Section and Chapter Notes (collectively known as "Legal Notes"). These notes formpart of the legal structures of the customs tariff schedule and should be taken into consideration whenclassifying goods. Generally, the Legal Notes are comprised of exclusions, definitions and rules.The Legal Notes become available when the NTH Classifier arrives at the universal 6-digit HS code, andare accessible by clicking on the tab labeled "Notes" (see Figure 38).Figure 38- Accessing the Legal Notes (highlighted)The NTH Classifier only shows Legal Notes from the Section and Chapter of the product being classified(see Figure 39). Nigerian Customs Service, 201333

Figure 39- The Legal Notes are displayedThe NTH Classifier also presents supporting notes in the form of HS Commentaries. While notlegally binding, the Commentaries, which have been compiled from a variety of authoritativesources, can provide additional clarification of concepts presented in the Nomenclature. Likethe Legal Notes, the NTH Classifier is accessible by clicking on the tab labeled 'Commentary'(see Figure 40). Only the Commentaries relating to the Section, Chapter, Heading andSubheading of the product being classified are presented. Nigerian Customs Service, 201334

Figure 40- The HS Commentaries are displayedDestination: NigeriaOrigin: lc1""'""''" I""" .···IW .IoDr eni tbeor a H S Co d e : "TOyOta lib4, %00 0 1b rn ric . . 9f ln c. ., I H h Here is whatYe know about your juice, fOf fuel P'ftnP·-; )Assumed characteristicspurity mo xedSECTIOt14PREPARED FOOOSTUFF ; BEV ;RAGES. SPIRITSAIIO VlllEGAR: TOBACCO AllO IWlUFACTUREO TOBACCO SUBSTITUTESCHAPTER 20PREPAAATIOilS OF VEGETABLES. FRUIT. llUTSOR OTHER PARTS OF PUIITSCovtrt:-vtgtUblts.fruit nuts. fru i t-pHI and othtf td1blt pJrU of piJntt prt-partd or prtwrvtd by vintguor autie Kid.or by sug.ar. orby Oll tr pr- H not provided lor in Chop t 7. 8 or II or tl.mtrt i n 1M H rmonoz.td Sy"tm- junt. fru t jtlllu.m rmaladts.fn.ut or nut purHs.fn.ut or nut putts. obtllntd by cooking.- homog.nipr.pued or preurwd wgeUbles 1nd fruiL-frvi t or Vt9ftlblt juic:.s. not ft""""ttd . non alcoholic. or of an ale:oholsttffl91h by voiUIM not txcttding 0 " vol- products o1 htldong 07.u. 11.0 or II.(but not hour. IntiI 11\d powdtr ol tilt products o1 Ch pttr 8). wllldl h w bHnp,.,u.cor prewrwd by prooents octhan thow 1pteifi.cl in CNpttr 1 or 11.-lru l t p sorvtd by osmotoo dtllydr tlon.EKCIUS!Of'Sf!ym Cl!tP."'ff" ?0. goods li\ttd in Uott 1 co thit Ch.Jpltr. product ueh u lru it t rt . proputdth putry (19.051. oups Jnd broths Jnd p rotions tlltrtfor (2 UU fruit or t.ablt juius of an .JicoholiCt strtngth by volumt txOHding O.Svol (CMpctt 22t.HEJ.OIIIG 20.Cowfru1t Jnd Vtgf'tJble ju.us usually obU.iMd by prus ing frt-lh Jnd ripe fruit or wgeU.blu by IMd\ .nic.JI n1taetors, byttr or 'th 1tnm . Thty rNY bt co ntQttdprtning. or by trN'tmt'n t tn cold or hot Nigerian Customs Service, 201335

Unknown ItemsIn some cases, the NTH Classifier may not recognize the item that is submitted. When thishappens, the NTH Classifier asks for an alternate description of the product (see Figure 41).Figure 41- Unknown Item messageWhen this happens, the system requires that a more generic description of the product besubmitted (see Figure 42). Nigerian Customs Service, 201336

Figure 42- Submitting a new product description (highlighted)When the new product description is submitted, the NTH Classifier's classificationprocess continues (see Figure 43).Figure 43- A new product description has been submitted, and the classification process resumes Nigerian Customs Service, 201337

Viewing HS DefinitionsMany terms in the tariff schedule have legal definitions. The NTH Classifier provides assistance inunderstanding these terms by linking them to HS Legal Note definitions. Terms that haveLegal Note definitions are identified by a small green square (the "definitions icon")(seeFigure 44).Figure 44- HS Legal Note definition is identifiedThe definitions are shown automatically when the mouse is rolled over the greendefinitions icon. A panel opens, which contains the official text and its source in the HS LegalNotes (see Figure 45). Nigerian Customs Service, 201338

Figure 45- Legal Note definition is displayedTo close the definitions panel, roll the mouse away from the green definitions icon.Note: The definitions associated to Country of Destination and Country of Origin are not HS Legal Notedefinitions. They are provided merely for the convenience and reference of NTH Classifier users, andhave no official sanction whatsoever. Nigerian Customs Service, 201339

Using the Spell CheckerSpelling errors can adversely affect NTH Classifier's ability to classify properly. Accordingly, the NTHClassifier automatically detects spelling errors.When a spelling error is detected, the NTH Classifier underlines the misspelled word in red (see Figure46).Figure 46- The Spell Checker detects a potential spelling errorA list of alternative spellings is shown when the misspelled word is selected by clicking the rightmouse button. To change the misspelled word, click on the correct word from the list using theleft mouse button (see Figure 47). Nigerian Customs Service, 201340

Figure 47- Choosing the correctly spelled word (highlighted)When a new correctly-spelled word is selected, the dialog box closes and the correctly spelled wordautomatically replaces the incorrectly spelled word in NTH Classifier's product description field (seeFigure 48).Figure 48- Incorrectly spelled word is automatically replaced (highlighted) Nigerian Customs Service, 201341

Classifying Complex Items (e.g. Sets and Kits)Sometimes the NTH Classifier will encounter a product description that cannot be classifiedautomatically.Sets and Kits pose a particular challenge for HS classification. While some sets and kits are provided forspecifically in the tariff schedule, others are not.When the NTH Classifier detects a set or kit that cannot be classified according to HS rules, it displays amessage (see Figure 49) inviting the user to either;a) Classify each component of the set or kit separately, orb) Seek a customs ruling from the Customs authority in the destination country.Figure 49- Complex items message Nigerian Customs Service, 201342

Searching by Numerical CodeIf you already know all or part of your HS or national tariff code, you can submit this codeto NTH Classifier directly.To search by numerical code, simply enter the numerical code into the Product Description fieldand click the "classify" button (see Figure 50).Figure 50- Submitting a partial HS code (highlighted)If the HS code is valid, the NTH Classifier will display all of the codes which follownumerically under the hierarchical ordering structure of the Harmonized System andDestination Country tariff schedules (see Figure 51). Nigerian Customs Service, 201343

Figure 51- The Destination Country Tariff Schedule is displayedThe NTH Classifier is also able to search by Chemical Abstract Service ("CAS") registry numbers.To search for an HS code for a chemical substance by its CAS number, simply enter the numberpreceded by the acronym "CAS" (see Figure 52).As with the HS code search, a successful CAS number search will result in the display of the relevantHarmonized System and Destination Country tariff schedules. Nigerian Customs Service, 201344

Figure 52- CAS number search and result (highlighted)Destrnatron: Nigeria0 rgm: ICHitJADescnbe yoc·· product CAS 73-22 -3or enter a HS Code: Tariff Schedule of r igeriaChapter 29ORGAiliC CHEMICALSTariff ntialD Heterocyd1c compounds w1th nitrogenhetero- atom(s) onlyCl Other-OtherNeed Help? Contact us at:Email (Technical Assistance): helpdesk mge.- .atr11dehub.gov.ngEma l (General Enquiries): 1nfo n genatradehub.gov.ngTel: 0810 641 7850 and 0810 641 7872Mail:Nigeria Customs Service Ruling CentreNigeria Customs Service HeadquartersAbidjan Street, Wuse,P.H.B 26,Zone 3,Abuja- FCTNigeria Nigerian Customs Service, 201345

Tips for Describing ProductsThe following table provides suggestions on how to create more effective product descriptions, whichwill result in fewer questions being posed by the NTH Classifier. By following these suggestions, usersshould arrive at the final tariff code in fewer steps.SuggestionExample of a Suitable QueryExample of anUnsuitable QueryIndicate the main itemfirst, followed by acomma. List any detailsafter the comma.Belt, leatherBelt leatherIf it is a part, indicate the Impeller for fuel pumppart name followed by theword “FOR” and themachine that it belongs to.Impeller, fuel pumpEach User Query should men's cotton shirtdescribe only one (1) itemat a timemen's cotton shirt andpantsDouse AND and OR inqueriesnot carded woolcarded or combed woolDescribe percentages in girlsthe following manner:raincoats, 60% nylon, 35%cotton, 5% spandex,wovengirls raincoats, 97 nylon3spandex; or"X% Fiber"woven girls raincoats,nylon/spandex (97/3)As a rule, you should not boys' shorts, wovenuse negative expressionsin queries, such as:boys' shorts, not knittedNO, NOT, and EXCEPTGenerally, the negative Woven fabric, 100% cotton, unbleachedgrammaticalpreface UN can be used. Nigerian Customs Service, 201346

Terms of Use of the NTH HS Classification ToolThe Nigeria Trade Hub HS Classification Tool (the "System") is licensed by the Nigeria Customs Servicefrom 3CE Technologies Inc. This Terms of Use Agreement (this Agreement) states the terms andconditions under which you may access and use the System. Your use of the system shall be governed byall of the respective terms, rights and obligations of 3CE TECHNOLOGIES’ Website Linking and LicenseAgreement (a copy of which can be obtained by contacting info@3ce.com). 3CE TECHNOLOGIESreserves the right revise this Agreement at any time.Your use of the System constitutes an indication of your acceptance to be bound by the terms andconditions of this Agreement. If you do not accept these terms and conditions, you must not access oruse the Web site.For the purpose of this Agreement the term “Subscriber” shall be used to mean all users of the system.For greater certainty, but without limiting the generality of the 3CE TECHNOLOGIES Website Linking andLicense Agreement, you specifically acknowledge and agree to accept the "Obligations of Subscriber"and "Disclaimers" as follows:1.Obligations of Subscriber1.1Subscriber warrants the accuracy of the information provided to 3CE TECHNOLOGIES in itssubscription request, and that its use of the 3CE TECHNOLOGIES Proprietary Link will not exceed thenumber of authorized Application Users and their identity as designated pursuant hereto.1.2Subscriber will prevent any unauthorized use of the 3CE TECHNOLOGIES Proprietary Link by anyother party having access through or from the Subscriber Site.1.3Subscriber will be solely responsible for providing the necessary interfaces to the 3CETECHNOLOGIES Proprietary Link in accordance with the protocols provided by 3CE TECHNOLOGIES fromtime to time, Subscriber recognizing and agreeing that 3CE TECHNOLOGIES does not warrant that the3CE TECHNOLOGIES Proprietary Software and Services will operate uninterrupted or error free, or thatthe functions con

When either of these options is chosen, the NTH home page is replaced by the NTH Classifier (see Figure 2). Figure 2- T heNTH C la sif er aunc d At the top of the NTH Classifier page are the Destination and Origin fields (see Figure 3). These mandatory fields tell the NTH Classifier which cou