The TN VED code is a mandatory part of any customs clearance. It determines which duties and taxes must be paid, which documents to prepare, and whether the cargo will be allowed across the border.
What Is a TN VED Code in Simple Terms
TN VED is the commodity nomenclature for foreign economic activity. In essence, it is a large international catalogue in which every type of product is assigned a unique numeric code.
Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union member states use a unified version: EAEU TN VED codes. The classifier is based on the international Harmonized System (HS) and is updated regularly.
Why You Need a TN VED Code
The code determines the rules the state applies to a specific product: which payments to charge, which documents to require, and whether import restrictions apply.
How the Code Affects Duties, Certification, and Labelling
The code determines the entire set of obligations for import:
- customs duty — the rate is tied to the code
- VAT and excise duties on import
- certificate or declaration of conformity
- Chestny ZNAK product labelling
- licences and permits
- veterinary and sanitary inspections
Two products that look similar but have different codes can have entirely different total import costs.
How a TN VED Code Is Structured
The code is a ten-digit numeric sequence:
| Level | Digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 2 | Broad product category |
| Heading | 4 | Product type, material, intended use |
| Subheading | 6 | Specific product type (international) |
| Further subdivision | 8–10 | EAEU-level detail |
Example: a men's jacket made of synthetic fabric — code 6201930010
- 62 — chapter ‘Articles of apparel’
- 6201 — heading ‘Men's overcoats and jackets’
- 620193 — subheading ‘of man-made fibres’
- 6201930010 — EAEU customs subdivision
How to Determine a Product's TN VED Code
What Information Is Needed to Select a Code
- full product name
- material or composition
- operating principle and area of use
- degree of processing or completion
- technical specifications
Can a Code Be Selected by Product Name Alone?
No. A commercial name tells the classifier nothing. Classification is based on function, composition, and characteristics.
When It Is Best to Consult a Specialist
It is important to involve a foreign trade specialist if:
- the product is multifunctional or has a complex composition
- the same product may fall into different chapters
- the shipment value is high
Mistakes When Selecting a TN VED Code
Common Mistakes
- Relying on the commercial name. ‘Care set’ and ‘smart bracelet’ tell the classifier nothing.
- Ignoring chapter notes. They specify exclusions and priorities.
- Copying the supplier's code. The same product may be classified differently in different jurisdictions.
- Using an outdated code. TN VED is updated regularly.
- Attempting to choose a code with a lower duty. This is a direct route to reclassification and fines.
Consequences of an Incorrect Code
- incorrect calculation of customs payments
- fines imposed by customs authorities
- delays in product delivery
- refusal of customs clearance
- expert examination and requests for samples
- additional assessment of duties and VAT
From 9 January 2026, the penalty for inaccurate declarations by legal entities ranges from 50% to 200% of unpaid customs payments.
BoxCargo — Help with TN VED Code Selection
The company BoxCargo helps importers classify goods correctly. We select TN VED codes, calculate duties, and prepare the complete document package for customs clearance.
- Phone: 8 800 222-47-56
- Email: sales@boxcargo.ru
- Office: 2Zh Minskaya Street, Victory Park Business Centre, Moscow
- Website: boxcargo.ru
Free consultation — we will select the TN VED code for your product.