HS code (TN VED) · March 7, 2026
How to determine the HS code (TN VED) and not make a mistake at customs
How the code is built, what affects classification, and what a mistake at import means.
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9 min
The classification of sets is governed by rule 3 of the General Rules of Interpretation. In practice it all comes down to one question: what is the main item in the set.
Three conditions for a set
- It consists of at least two goods that by themselves are classified in different headings
- The goods are selected to be used together or to meet one need
- It is packed for sale to the end consumer without repacking
If at least one condition is not met, it is not a set: the components are declared on their own.
How the main character is determined
Criteria in descending order of importance
Role in use
main
Cost of the component
significant
Weight and volume
auxiliary
Number of units
weak
Example: a shaving set made of a razor, foam and a brush is classified by the razor — it defines the purpose of the set.
Be careful with documents
Even if a set is classified under one code, the requirements of technical regulations apply to each component separately. Cosmetics inside a set remain cosmetics, an electrical appliance remains an electrical appliance.
When a set is not considered a set
- The goods are packed together by chance, for convenience of transport
- The composition assumes repacking before retail sale
- The items have no common purpose — it is just an assortment in one box
The basic classification rules are explained in the article on the HS code (TN VED). How to check which regulations apply to the parts of a set — in the analysis of product lists.
Documents for a set: one or several
This is the main practical question. The answer depends on what you assembled and in what form it is sold.
| Situation | How the documents work |
|---|---|
| A set of items, each with its own document, in its own packaging | The documents for each item apply; nothing additional is needed for the set |
| The whole set falls under one regulation | One document is issued for the set as for a product |
| The items of the set fall under different regulations | Each is covered by its own document, the set — by the combination |
| The product is repacked or poured into other containers | This is different packaging: confirmation is required for it |
| An item without documents is added to the set | The whole set cannot be put into circulation |
The last row is the most frequent mistake of gift sets: an accessory with no documents is added as a “bonus” to cosmetics that are properly documented, and the problem becomes common to all.
Classification and conformity confirmation are different questions
The rule that a set is classified by the good that gives it the main character works for the HS code (TN VED). It does not mean that a document is needed only for the “main” good: the requirements of technical regulations apply to each component that falls under them.
Labelling of a set
The consumer packaging of a set carries its own labelling, and it does not replace the labelling of the products inside.
- The name of the set and the list of goods in it, with quantities
- The name and address of the manufacturer of the set — the one who assembled it
- The importer and the person who accepts claims
- The EAC mark, if at least one component falls under the regulations
- The shelf life — by the shortest of the shelf lives of the components
- Storage conditions suitable for all items at once
The shelf life deserves a separate mention: a set lives by its shortest item. Putting a cream with a 36-month shelf life and a sample with a 6-month shelf life into a gift kit means a set with a 6-month shelf life, not 36.
Who becomes the manufacturer
The one who assembles the set takes on the duties of the manufacturer for the set: he is responsible for the labelling, the completeness and the conformity, not the manufacturers of the separate items.
- You assemble it yourself — you are the manufacturer of the set with all the duties
- The set arrives already assembled from abroad — you are the importer, the duties are the same
- A contractor assembles it on your order — the distribution is fixed by the contract
- The marketplace assembles the set from your items — the question of responsibility should be clarified in the platform's rules
Seasonal sets: how not to miss the deadline
Gift kits are a story with a hard deadline: in time for December or not. An order of work that saves you from a rush.
- Define the composition of the set before buying the packaging — both the labelling and the documents depend on it.
- Check whether all items have valid documents and whether they expire during the sales season.
- Check whether you repack anything: if so, it is separate work with separate terms.
- Calculate the shelf life of the set by the shortest item and make sure that it covers the sales period.
- Agree the layout of the set's labelling before printing the run.
- Allow time for replacing an item: if the documents for one of them are not ready in time, the set is reassembled.
How the HS code (TN VED) and the composition of a set are connected at import — in the article on classification.
Check your product
Describe your product in plain words — the system will show the expected HS code (TN VED), the applicable regulations and the set of documents. Start the check.
