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Tariff Analysis Online (See also explanation
and user guide) draws on two WTO databases: the Integrated
Database (IDB) of tariff and import data, and the Consolidated Tariff
Schedules, which contains WTO members’ commitments on tariffs and
agricultural subsidies.
It provides users with flexible search criteria and produces a range of
analytical reports — the results of the searches — covering both tariffs and
imports, in detail and summary levels.
Users can manipulate the analysis online and download and print the
resulting reports.
The development of the new service is in line with the
Market Access Committee’s decision of 13 July 2009 to make detailed
information on tariffs available to the public.
The existing
Tariff Download Facility (See also explanation and user
guide) is simpler and would be the service of choice for users looking
for more basic information. It provides standardized statistical information
on bound, applied and preferential tariffs on products defined in slightly
less detail, by Harmonized System (HS) six-digit codes, with the ability to
compare between countries swiftly.
A third service, the World Tariff Profiles, provides similar information to
that of the Tariff Download Facility but for broader product categories.
The legally bound commitments on customs duty rates, which act as ceilings
on the tariffs that member governments can set are known as “bound rates”.
The rates that governments actually charge on imports, which can be lower,
are known as “applied rates” and have a direct impact on trade. All of these
services provide data on both bound and applied rates.
Customs codes and standardization back to top
Products in the databases are identified using the World Customs
Organization’s internationally agreed “Harmonized System” (HS).
Under the system, the broadest categories of products are identified by
two-digit “chapters” (e.g. 04 is dairy products, eggs and other edible
animal products). These are then sub-divided by adding more digits: the
higher the number of digits, the more detailed the categories. For example
the four-digit code or “heading” 0403 is a group of products derived from
milk. At six digits, 0403.10 is the “sub-heading” for yoghurt; at the
eight-digit level, 0403.10.11 could be low-fat yoghurt “tariff line”.
The codes are standard up to six digits, the most detailed level that can be
compared internationally. This is used in the Tariff Download Facility.
Beyond that, countries are free to use their own definitions according to
their individual requirements, and this is reflected in the new Tariff
Analysis Online.
Both Tariff Analysis Online and the Tariff Download Facility allow data to
be downloaded in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and other formats.
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 JARGON BUSTER |
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ad valorem (AV): a tariff rate charged as percentage of the
price
• applied rates: duties that are actually charged on imports. These
can be below the bound rates
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bound rates (tariff binding): commitment not to increase a rate of
duty beyond an agreed level. Once a rate of duty is bound, it may not
be raised without compensating the affected parties
•
digits, digit-level: (tariffs) a reference to the codes used to
identify products. Categories of products are subdivided by adding
digits. See Harmonized System
•
Harmonized System: World Customs Organization’s system of code
numbers for identifying products. The codes are standard up to six
digits. Beyond that countries can introduce national distinctions for
tariffs and many other purposes
•
MFN (most-favoured-nation) tariff: normal non-discriminatory tariff
charged on imports (excludes preferential tariffs under free trade
agreements and other schemes or tariffs charged inside quotas)
•
schedules: (for goods) list of bound tariff rates
•
tariff line (TL in the tables): a product, as defined by a system of
code numbers for tariffs > More
jargon: glossary
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