The 72nd Session of the Harmonized System Committee has concluded on a high note. 

The meeting, chaired by Mr. Alvaro Fernandez Acebes from Spain, was attended in-person by 66 members from 65 countries and the European Union. The discussions were supplemented by a document-based forum using the CLiKC! Platform of the WCO.  The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) also participated in-person as observers.

In his closing remarks, the Chairperson highlighted that most significant decision taken at this session has been the extension of the review cycle until 2028. This will mean that the next edition of the HS will be officially implemented on 1 January 2028.  This was done because of the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic and its effect on the negotiation cycle: therefore, it will not affect the length of the following cycle which would remain a five-year cycle, resulting in a 2033 edition following the HS2028 edition.  The Chair noted that the extension would ensure that there would be sufficient time for drafting work and decisions on the currently tabled proposals for the next edition.

The Chairperson also congratulated the delegates to the Committee for their active participation, as well as the Acting Director and the staff of the Secretariat for all the support and excellent work. The Committee finalized and approved 9 amendments to the HS2028 Nomenclature or the Explanatory Notes, 3 amendments to the HS2022 Explanatory Notes, 20 new Classification Opinions and 36 new classification decisions.