Master the EU's integrated tariff system for accurate customs compliance
TARIC (Tarif Intégré de la Communauté, or Integrated Tariff of the European Community) is the European Union's comprehensive customs tariff database. It integrates all EU tariff legislation into a single searchable system, ensuring uniform application of customs rules across all 27 member states. For anyone importing into the EU, TARIC is the authoritative source for duty rates, trade measures, and regulatory requirements.
Updated daily by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union, TARIC reflects all current legislation affecting imports and exports. The database contains approximately 14,000 ten-digit commodity codes with their associated measures. Whenever EU regulations change—whether new trade agreements, anti-dumping duties, or regulatory requirements—TARIC is updated to reflect these changes.
Consulting TARIC is an essential step in any import operation. The database tells you not just the basic duty rate but also whether preferential rates apply under trade agreements, whether any anti-dumping or countervailing duties affect your goods, what licenses or certificates might be required, and whether quotas or suspensions could reduce your duty liability.
TARIC codes are ten digits long, building on the international Harmonized System and EU Combined Nomenclature:
For example, the code 8471300000 breaks down as: 8471 (automatic data processing machines), 847130 (portable digital machines weighing ≤10kg), 84713000 (CN subheading), and 8471300000 (full TARIC code). Each additional pair of digits adds specificity for applying the correct measures.
The final TARIC digits (9-10) often distinguish between products that face different EU measures despite sharing the same CN code. For instance, products from specific countries might face anti-dumping duties at the TARIC level, or certain product variants might qualify for duty suspensions. Always determine the full ten-digit code to ensure you identify all applicable measures.
The European Commission provides free public access to TARIC through its online consultation system. The database can be searched by commodity code, description, or regulation reference. Results show all measures applicable to the selected code, including duty rates, trade preferences, restrictions, and documentation requirements.
Third Country Duty (MFN): The standard duty rate applied to imports from most countries without preferential agreements. Also called Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate, this is the baseline against which preferential rates offer savings.
Preferential Tariffs: Reduced or zero duty rates available under EU trade agreements. Each preference is linked to specific origin requirements—goods must meet rules of origin and be accompanied by valid proof of origin to qualify.
Tariff Suspensions: Temporary duty reductions or exemptions for specific products, typically when EU production is insufficient to meet demand. Autonomous suspensions are granted unilaterally by the EU; they don't require origin proof.
Anti-Dumping Duties: Additional duties imposed on products being sold in the EU below their normal value (dumped). These can be company-specific or applied to all imports from a country. Anti-dumping duties can significantly increase the total import cost.
Countervailing Duties: Duties to offset foreign government subsidies that would otherwise give imported products an unfair price advantage.
Safeguard Measures: Temporary restrictions including additional duties or quotas to protect EU industry from sudden import surges.
Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs): Allow specified quantities to be imported at reduced duty rates. Once the quota is exhausted, higher duty rates apply. TARIC shows quota status and how to access quota allocations.
Import Surveillance: Monitoring measures that may require licenses or notifications without necessarily imposing quantity limits.
Import Licenses: Requirements for specific licenses or permits before importation.
Certificates: Requirements for phytosanitary certificates, veterinary certificates, or other compliance documentation.
Prohibitions: Bans on import of specified goods for safety, environmental, or policy reasons.
Each measure in TARIC includes several data elements:
Pay close attention to footnotes and condition codes. These specify additional requirements that must be met to benefit from preferential rates or comply with restrictions. Missing a condition can mean paying higher duties or having goods detained at the border.
Different duty rates may apply depending on the country of origin. When looking up rates, specify the origin country to see applicable preferential rates. Remember that preferential origin has specific rules that must be documented—manufacturing location alone doesn't guarantee preferential treatment.
TARIC is updated daily. Rates and measures that applied to your last shipment may have changed. For regular imports, establish a process for monitoring relevant TARIC updates or subscribe to customs news services.
Multiple measures can apply simultaneously. Standard duty plus anti-dumping duty, or preferential rate with additional surveillance requirement. Calculate the combined effect of all applicable measures for accurate cost planning.
TARIC works alongside other EU customs information systems. The EORI database validates economic operator numbers. The Quota and Surveillance database shows real-time quota status. The BTI database contains published Binding Tariff Information decisions. Use these resources together for comprehensive customs compliance.
For related information, see our guides on HS codes, customs duties, and product classification.
