Are you confused that HS code and ITC same?

You have seen this terminology across many documentations and correspondence papers but what is the exact meaning of HS Code and how it differs from ITC Code.

Meaning of HS Code:- H1s stands for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. This is a common standard which is used worldwide for describing the type of commodity. Every commodity that enters across international borders have to be declared to customs by means of this code which helps in the standardizing the codes across the globe. It comprises about 5,000 commodity groups each of them is identified by a six digit code which is arranged in a legal as well as logical structure and is supported by well-defined rules to achieve uniform classification. It is used by more than 200 countries and it contributes to the harmonization of customs and trades procedures and plays a crucial role in reducing the costs related to international trade.

Most of the people who are into trade got confused that HS code and ITC are same but there is a difference in both. 

Meaning of ITC:- ITC means Indian Trade Classification and is known as Indian Tariff Code. This is scheduled in two parts. The first part has eight digit nomenclature and the second schedule with the description of goods chargeable to export duty. The first schedule is based on HS Code. Indian tariff code has 8 digits out of which first 6 digits are as per HS code system, followed by two digits classified as “tariff item”. So ITC has been classified as first four digits code called ‘heading’ followed by six digit code called as ‘Subheading’ and then 8 digit code called as ‘Tariff Item’. This addition is done after getting permission from WCO (World Custom Organization) without any changes in HS Code system.