On 28 March the Republic of Vanuatu deposited with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) its instrument of accession to the International Convention on the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonised System or HS). Vanuatu has been applying HS2017 since 01 January 2017.
More than 98% of international merchandise trade is classified in terms of the HS.
Vanuatu is a Pacific island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean consisting of about 82 islands and has been a WCO member 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 HS Convention will enter into force in Vanuatu on 01 January 2020, unless Vanuatu specifies an earlier date.
