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Receive binding tariff information

Service Description

The countries of the European Customs Union regulate the import of goods into the internal market in the "Common Customs Tariff". This classifies the various goods and assigns them a code number, which is used to determine, among other things, the duty rates and the documents required for clearance.

Binding tariff information (BTI) provides a legally binding indication of the code number under which goods are to be classified in the Common Customs Tariff. The information enables you to calculate the import duties that are levied when importing goods from a third country into the EU in good time and to obtain any necessary documents. This makes it easier for you to calculate your operational costs and ensure swift clearance.

Customs tariff decisions that have already been issued are published in a common European database. You can view these decisions via the European Commission's database "European Binding Tariff Information" (EvZTA). Confidential details of a decision will be removed.

Process flow

You can usually obtain binding tariff information electronically. To apply for binding customs tariff information:

  • Go to the customs citizen and business customer portal.
  • If you do not yet have a user account, follow the instructions to create a citizen, user or business customer account. Once your data has been checked and approved, you can use your account.
  • Complete the online application for binding tariff information, add any attachments and submit the application.
  • You will receive a confirmation of receipt with a transaction number and an application accompanying document.
  • You can use the application accompanying document to send samples or specimens of the goods to be assessed to the main customs office in Hanover. Please note the instructions from customs as to when samples or specimens are required.
  • Once your application has been processed, you will receive a notification in your electronic mailbox at the customs portal for citizens and business customers.
  • Please check your e-mails regularly. You will be informed by e-mail when messages have been received in your electronic mailbox.

To view customs tariff decisions that have already been issued:

  • Call up the database "European Binding Tariff Information" (EvZTA) of the European Commission.
  • Start a query by entering a specific country, a BTI number, the validity date, a keyword, a nomenclature code or a description of the goods.

A written application (customs form 0307) is only possible if the computer systems in your company or at the main customs office in Hanover are down.

Requirements

  • Your application must relate to an actual intended activity in connection with the international movement of goods.
  • You can prove this by specifically stating in the application whether the BTI is to be used for importing goods, exporting goods or a special procedure (e.g. customs warehouse).

Which documents are required?

  • Online application for binding tariff information
  • You may need to
    • illustrations, data sheets or descriptions of goods in electronic form and
    • samples or specimens of the goods to be assessed.

What are the fees?

Fee: free of charge
There are no costs for issuing binding tariff information. If necessary, the customs authority will charge you for expenses for goods analyses, sample appraisals or the return of samples.

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

Period of Validity: 3 Years
Valid from the effective date of the decision.

Processing duration

Processing Time: 2 - 4 Months
As all states in the European Union have to make uniform decisions on tariff classifications, disputed issues are discussed within the European Commission. The processing time is delayed in such cases.

Legal basis

Applications / forms

  • Appeal
  • Detailed information on how to lodge an objection can be found in the information on legal remedies in your BTI decision.
  • Appeal to the tax court

Appeal

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: No

Online services available: Yes

What else should I know?

If you only require non-binding tariff information, you can contact the Central Customs Information Office.

Further Information

Author

Forwarding service: Deep link to the origin portal

Generalzolldirektion (GZD)

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF)

Professionally released on

14.02.2022

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

Start your request directly online:

Competent Authority

Hauptzollamt Hannover

Postal address
Hackethalstraße 7
30179 Hannover
Telephone
+49 511 64689210

Further Authorities

Hauptzollamt Hannover, Verbindliche Zolltarif- und Ursprungsauskünfte
Postal address
Waterloostraße 5
30169 Hannover
Telephone
+49 511 1012480
Fax
+49 511 1012899
E-Mail
Contact us
DE-Mail
poststelle.hza-hannover@zoll.de-mail.de
Generalzolldirektion (GZD), Zentrale Auskunft Zoll