What is the Integrated Tariff of the European Union (TARIC)?
The Integrated Tariff of the European Union (TARIC) is the EU’s official customs and trade database, providing detailed information on all import and export regulations, duty rates, and trade measures that apply to goods entering or leaving the European Union.
Managed by the European Commission, TARIC merges the EU’s Common Customs Tariff (CCT) with applicable trade policy measures, including:
- Preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements (FTAs)
- Tariff suspensions and quotas
- Anti-dumping and safeguard duties
- Prohibitions, licensing requirements, and regulatory restrictions
TARIC is based on the Combined Nomenclature (CN), which expands upon the Harmonized System (HS) used globally for classifying goods.
What Is TARIC Used For?
TARIC is essential for:
- Determining the correct commodity code for goods (used in customs declarations)
- Identifying applicable customs duties, VAT, and excise taxes
- Understanding preferential trade agreements and duty reductions
- Complying with non-tariff measures (health, safety, environmental, or licensing requirements)
- Confirming if quotas, prohibitions, or trade remedies apply
- Ensuring harmonized application of EU customs rules across all Member States
Why TARIC Matters for Businesses
For importers, exporters, customs brokers, and freight forwarders, using TARIC helps to:
- Avoid misclassification and penalties
- Accurately calculate landed costs and duties
- Determine eligibility for preferential tariffs
- Comply with customs clearance procedures
- Plan international sourcing and pricing strategies
Example in Practice
A Spanish importer wants to bring in steel tubing from South Korea. By checking TARIC, the importer confirms:
- The correct 10-digit commodity code
- That a 3% base duty applies
- An anti-dumping duty of 17% is in effect
- No additional licensing is required under current EU regulations
This information helps the company budget costs, file accurate customs entries, and stay compliant with EU trade law.
