On June 12, 2026, the European Commission issued document COM(2026) 278 final, a formal proposal for the European Union

On June 12, 2026, the European Commission issued document COM(2026) 278 final, a formal proposal for the European Union to submit to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council a set of amendments and updates to the Harmonized System (HS). The proposal follows Article 16 of the HS Convention and aims to incorporate technical changes driven by trade evolution, environmental needs, technology, and security. This is the first formal step in the process, requiring WCO Council approval and subsequent implementation by each contracting party.

The Harmonized System is the international product nomenclature used by over 200 countries to classify goods for customs purposes. Revisions occur every 5 to 6 years (the last one in 2022). As a WCO member, the EU proposes specific modifications reflecting its trade and regulatory priorities. The amendment process includes consultations, voting at the WCO Council, and publication of a new HS version, typically entering into force on January 1 of a given year (likely 2028 or 2029).