CN Code Lookup — Combined Nomenclature Search

What Is a CN Code?

A CN Code (Combined Nomenclature) is an 8-digit tariff code used in all European Union member states to uniquely identify goods in international trade. It was introduced by Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 and has since served as the foundation of the EU Common Customs Tariff. The Combined Nomenclature is the legal framework that every customs declaration within the EU relies upon for determining the correct duty treatment.

The Combined Nomenclature is built upon the Harmonized System (HS) of tariff nomenclature, managed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The first 6 digits of a CN Code are identical to the HS Code, which is used globally in over 200 countries. Digits 7 and 8 are EU-specific extensions that allow for more detailed classification of goods to meet the requirements of EU trade policy. This additional granularity enables the EU to apply different duty rates and regulatory measures to products that share the same international 6-digit HS code but differ in their specific characteristics or end-use applications.

The CN Code is used primarily to determine the conventional (MFN) customs duty rate, the applicable VAT rate, and all trade measures — such as anti-dumping duties, tariff quotas, and licensing requirements. It is mandatory in every customs declaration (SAD/AIS), Intrastat declaration, and trade documentation. For customs professionals and import/export managers, the CN Code is the starting point of every shipment: get it right, and the rest of the customs process flows smoothly; get it wrong, and you face delays, penalties, and unexpected costs.

Customs Code Systems — Comparison

The CN Code is one of several commodity code systems used in international trade. Understanding how these systems relate to each other is critical for anyone involved in cross-border commerce. The table below shows the hierarchy from international HS codes to national-level tariff numbers:

Each level builds on the previous one — the CN Code contains the HS Code, the TARIC code contains the CN Code, and national tariff numbers contain the TARIC code. Learn more about the HS Code, the TARIC system, or the UK Commodity Code on their dedicated pages.

How Is a CN Code Structured?

The CN Code is built hierarchically — from a broad category (chapter) down to a specific product. The system follows a logical tree structure that starts with 21 sections and 97 chapters, then narrows down through headings and subheadings. Below is an example breakdown of code 2208 30 11 (bourbon whiskey):

The 2-digit chapter corresponds to one of 97 chapters of the Combined Nomenclature, grouped into 21 sections. The HS heading (4 digits) and HS subheading (6 digits) are uniform worldwide. Digits 7 and 8 are the EU extension — they may indicate further subdivisions of goods specific to EU regulations. When positions 7-8 show “00”, it means there is no additional EU subdivision for that HS subheading. This hierarchical structure allows customs authorities to quickly narrow down the correct classification for any product.

How to Find Your CN Code

Finding the correct CN Code requires a detailed description of your goods (material, function, intended use) and a methodical review of the relevant chapters and headings. On Celna24.com you can use several professional tools designed to make this process fast and accurate:

If you have doubts about the correct tariff classification, you can apply for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from your national customs authority. A BTI is legally binding across all EU member states for 3 years and provides legal certainty about the code applied to your goods. This is particularly valuable for high-value shipments where the duty rate difference could significantly impact your margins.

CN Code vs HS Code — Key Differences for EU/UK Trade

One of the most common questions from importers and exporters is how the CN Code differs from the HS Code. The distinction is straightforward but important: the HS Code is the international 6-digit foundation used by nearly every country in the world, while the CN Code is the EU's 8-digit extension that adds two more digits for EU-specific regulatory needs.

In practical terms, when a supplier in China or the United States provides you with an HS code (6 digits), you still need to determine the correct CN code (8 digits) for your EU customs declaration. The additional two digits may split a single HS subheading into multiple CN codes with different duty rates. For example, HS code 2208.30 covers all whiskies, but the CN code further distinguishes between bourbon, Scotch, and other whiskies, each potentially subject to different trade measures.

For UK trade specifically, it is important to note that since Brexit (1 January 2021), the United Kingdom no longer uses CN codes. Instead, the UK maintains its own 10-digit commodity code system. While the first 6 digits remain HS-based and therefore identical, digits 7-10 may differ between the EU CN/TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff. Learn more on our UK Commodity Code page.

CN Code Examples

Below are example CN Codes for commonly traded products, along with approximate EU duty rates. These examples demonstrate the range of duty treatments across different product categories:

Note: duty rates may vary depending on the country of origin (preferential agreements, free trade agreements, GSP rates). VAT rates differ across EU member states. Excise duties apply to certain product categories such as alcohol, tobacco, and energy products regardless of the customs duty rate. Always verify current rates in the Customs Tariff.

Why Use Celna24 for CN Code Lookup

Celna24.com is designed specifically for customs professionals, import/export managers, and businesses that need fast, accurate tariff data. Unlike generic government databases, Celna24 combines multiple tools into a single platform:

• Integrated Duty Calculator — after finding your CN Code, calculate the exact customs duty, VAT, and excise duty in one click. No need to switch between separate tools or websites.
• AI-Powered Classification — our Intelligent Search uses machine learning trained on over 85,000 real EU BTI (Binding Tariff Information) rulings. Describe your product in plain English and get classification suggestions ranked by relevance.
• Real BTI Examples — every search result includes relevant BTI decisions from EU customs authorities, showing how similar products have been officially classified. This gives you confidence in your classification choices.
• Multi-Language Support — the platform is available in English, German, and Polish, making it useful for cross-border teams and multi-national supply chains.
• Complete Tariff Tree — browse the entire Combined Nomenclature from sections down to individual 10-digit TARIC codes, with duty rates and trade measures displayed at every level.

Start by entering your product description or CN Code in the Intelligent Search or browse the Customs Tariff directly.

When Is the CN Code Required?

The CN Code is required in numerous trade and customs scenarios across the European Union. Here are the most common situations where you will need a correct CN Code:

• Import declarations — every goods import into the EU requires a TARIC code (which starts with the CN Code) in the customs declaration.
• Export declarations — the 8-digit CN Code is required in the export declaration (EX1) filed with customs in the country of dispatch.
• Intrastat reporting — for intra-EU trade exceeding reporting thresholds, the 8-digit CN Code must be declared in Intrastat declarations.
• CBAM reporting — the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism requires identification of goods using CN/TARIC codes to determine CBAM obligations.
• Commercial invoices — while not always legally required, including the CN Code on commercial invoices is best practice and speeds up customs clearance.
• Preferential origin certificates — CN codes are used to verify whether goods qualify for preferential duty rates under free trade agreements.

Related Topics

• HS Code — international 6-digit classification used by ~200 countries
• UK Commodity Code — 10-digit UK tariff code post-Brexit
• TARIC — EU Integrated Customs Tariff with trade measures
• Tariff Classification — step-by-step guide with General Interpretive Rules