Taric Code

TARIC code: what it is, how to find it and how to use it to ship abroad

If you have to send a parcel outside the European Union - to Australia, the USA, Japan or any other non-EU country - sooner or later you come across the TARIC code.

It is one of the compulsory data in customs documentation, and is often the main cause of parcels stuck in customs or unexpected penalties.

In this guide you will find everything you need: what the TARIC code is, how it is structured, where to find it, how to look for it on AIDA, what mistakes to avoid and when you really need it - with practical examples of Italian products among the most shipped abroad.

What is the TARIC code

TARIC stands for Community Integrated Tariff (Integrated Tariff of the European Communities). This is the system used by the European Union to classify all goods in trade with non-EU countries.

In practice, the TARIC code is a 10-digit number which uniquely identifies each type of goods. Thanks to this code, the customs authorities know exactly:

• what rate of duty apply to imported goods
• if they exist restrictions or prohibitions for that product category
• if they are required authorisations or licences specials
• if they apply anti-dumping duties or safeguard measures

The TARIC was established by the Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of the Council and is managed by the European Commission, which continuously updates it. In Italy, the national version can be consulted through the AIDA of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, which integrates European data with Italian tax specifications (VAT, excise duties).

💡 In summaryThe TARIC code is the “tax code” of your goods for European customs. Without it, or with an incorrect code, your shipment risks being blocked, incorrectly taxed or returned to sender.

The structure of the TARIC code: 6 to 10 digits

The TARIC code does not start from scratch: it is built on progressive levels of classification, each of which adds more detail about the goods.

[ 2 digits: Chapter ] → [ 4 digits: Heading ] → [ 6 digits: HS subheading ] → [ 8 digits: Combined Nomenclature ] → [ 10 digits: TARIC ]

📌 Example:
Let's see it in detail with a concrete example - a laptop:

The first 6 digits: the Harmonised System (HS)

The first six figures are derived from the Harmonised System (HS), an international standard developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and adopted by over 200 countries. This means that the first six digits of the TARIC code are the same worldwide: a laptop has the same HS prefix in Italy, Japan and Australia.

The AS is divided into:

• 21 sections (major product categories)
• 99 chapters (e.g. Chapter 84 = machinery)
• Entries (4 digits) and subheadings (6 digits)

Numbers 7-8: the Combined Nomenclature (CN)

The figures 7 and 8 form the Combined Nomenclature, specific to the European Union. They are used for:

• the Intrastat declarations (intra-EU trade)
• the determination of the common customs duty EU
• European foreign trade statistics

Figures 9-10: the actual TARIC

The last two digits are the TARIC digits proper. They are used for goods subject to:

• variable duty rates according to country of origin
• anti-dumping or countervailing duties
• tariff suspension measures
• tariff quotas

In many cases these last two digits are “00”, but it is essential to always check, because a wrong “00” can cost you additional duties or the blocking of the shipment.

TARIC, HS and Combined Nomenclature: the differences

These three systems are often confused. Here is the quick distinction:

When shipping from Italy to a Non-EU country, you need the 10-digit TARIC code for the Italian customs declaration. The country of destination will use its HS code or equivalent to handle the import.

How to find the TARIC code on AIDA (step by step)

AIDA (Automazione Integrata Dogane Accise) is the official portal of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency. It is the most comprehensive tool for finding the correct TARIC code because it also shows VAT and excise duties applicable in Italy.

Step-by-step procedure

Step 1 - Go to aidaonline7.adm.gov.it

Step 2 - In the main menu, select “Nomenclature”

Step 3 - Click on “TARIC” → then on “TARIC Index”

Step 4 - Browse the 21 sections or use the search bar to search your goods by keyword (e.g. “shoes”, “oil”, “car”)

Step 5 - Identify the section and the chapter relevant to your goods

Step 6 - Expand the headings and subheadings until you find the one that exactly describes your product

Step 7 - Click on the code to view all applicable measures: duties, VAT, excise duties, restrictions, quotas

⚠️ AttentionAIDA shows updated data in real time. If you are unsure of the classification, consult an customs officer or a customs agent before completing the documentation.

Alternative: keyword search

On the AIDA portal you can also search for the code for textual description. Enter the name of the product in Italian (e.g. “leather shoes”) and the system proposes the corresponding entries. This is useful as a starting point, but the final classification must always be checked in the TARIC hierarchical structure.

How to find the TARIC code on the European DDS2 portal {#dds2}

The DDS2 portal of the European Commission (ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric) is the central EU database. Compared to AIDA:

• shows the common European tariff measures
• is available in all EU languages, including Italian
• does not show national tax specifications (Italian VAT, excise duties)

When to use DDS2if you want to check the EU tariff measures applicable to your goods regardless of the EU country of departure, or if you are looking for information on anti-dumping duties and tariff quotas.

When to use AIDAif you ship from Italy and want to get the full picture including VAT and excise duty.

Practical examples: TARIC codes for common Italian products

Here are some TARIC codes frequently used for Italian products exported abroad. Use them only as a starting pointThe final classification always depends on the specific characteristics of your product.

⚠️ ImportantThese codes are indicative. The correct TARIC classification requires an analysis of the specific characteristics of the goods (material, function, intended use, weight, processing). In case of doubt, always consult a customs officer.

When the TARIC code is needed in shipments

The TARIC code not needed for shipments within the European Uniongoods move freely between Member States without customs formalities.

Become mandatory in the following cases:

✅ Export from Italy to Non-EU countries

Every time you send a parcel outside the EU (Australia, USA, Japan, UK post-Brexit, Switzerland, etc.) you must indicate the TARIC code on the pro forma invoice or commercial and in the customs export declaration. Without this information, customs can block the shipment or request integrations.

✅ Import into Italy from non-EU countries

If you receive goods from abroad (e.g. purchases from Asian suppliers), the TARIC code determines the duties you will pay when entering Italy/EU.

✅ Intrastat declarations (with CN code)

For intra-EU trade of significant value, companies must submit the Intrastat declarations, They require the NC code (8 digits), which is the basis for TARIC.

❌ Not needed for intra-EU shipments

If you ship from Milan to Berlin or by Rome in Madrid, you do not have to fill out customs documents and TARIC is not necessary.

Frequent errors in TARIC classification

These are the most common errors that cause customs blocks, penalties or incorrect duty payments:

Who is responsible for the TARIC code?

The responsibility for correct classification lies with the person who signs the customs declaration:

Exporters and importers are the directly responsible parties. If the TARIC code is wrong on the invoice or customs declaration, they are liable for any penalties or unpaid duties.

Freight forwarders and customs brokers may support in classification, but the ultimate responsibility always remains with the owner of the goods.

With ShippingComfortable, During the booking process, we guide you through the compilation of customs documentation - pro-forma invoice, free export declaration and TARIC code entry - reducing the risk of errors that can hold up your shipment.

👉 [Calculate quote for your international shipment →]

TARIC updates: what to know

The TARIC code is not static. It is subject to two types of update:

Annual structural update (1 January)

Every year, on 1 January, the Combined Nomenclature is revised. Some entries are created, some are deleted, and some have their description changed. This means that a code valid in 2024 may not be correct in 2025.

What to doFor recurring shipments of the same product, check the code at least once a year on AIDA, especially at the beginning of the year.

Real-time updates

Tariff measures (anti-dumping duties, quotas, suspensions) are continuously updated on the official portals. In times of international trade tensions (e.g. US-EU duties), changes can be frequent and significant.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the TARIC code