Press Release
On 28 March 2018, the Republic of Vanuatu deposited with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization its instrument of accession to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonized System).
Considering that more than 98 % of international merchandise trade is classified in terms of the Harmonized System (HS), the World Customs Organization (WCO) is pleased to welcome Vanuatu as the 157th Contracting Party to the Harmonized System Convention and looks forward to its active participation with respect to Harmonized System matters.
Vanuatu is a Pacific island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean consisting of about 82 islands and has been a Member of the WCO since 17 November 2009. Its principal export commodities include beef, cocoa, coffee, copra, kava, and timber. Its principal import commodities include machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, and fuels.
The Harmonized System Convention will enter into force in Vanuatu on 1 January 2020, unless Vanuatu decides to specify an earlier date, as per Article 13.2 of the Convention. Vanuatu has been applying the 2017 HS since 1 January 2017.