Context:
India introduces new Harmonised System (HS) Codes for GI Tagged Rice.
Harmonized System (HS):
- A global product classification system developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
- It assigns specific 6-digit codes for various classifications and commodities.
- Countries can add longer codes to the initial 6 digits for further classification.
- Governed by – International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System
- HS Committee, consisting of member countries, oversees the classification system and updates it every 5 to 6 years.
Harmonized System (HS) Code for GI-Recognised Rice:
- Introduced via amendment to the Customs Tariff Act (1975)
- Impact – Enables the export of GI-tagged rice without requiring special notifications from the Ministry of Finance.
World Customs Organization (WCO):
- An independent intergovernmental body established to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations.
- Headquarters – Brussels, Belgium
- Established in – 1952 as the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC)
- Members – It represents 186 Customs administrations (including India)
Read more about Geographical Indication Tags
Source: BL
Previous Year Question
India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) ILO
(b) IMF
(c) UNCTAD
(d) WTO
Answer: (d)