On October 7, the World Trade Organization (WTO) launched a new online tool that tracks changes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS).  The HS Tracker was developed to assist Customs officials and traders in preparing for HS amendments that will take place effective January 1, 2022.

The HS system was established to standardize language for classifying goods traded internationally and is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO).  It is occasionally updated to ensure consistent interpretation or demonstrate changes in trade patterns, manufacturing processes, or technological advancement.  The HS Nomenclature 2022 Edition (HS 2022) is the seventh amendment since its inception in 1988.  The new tool will display how HS codes have changed over time and why the changes were made.