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The 18th meeting of the Technical Sub-Working Group on Classification held in Viet Nam (TSWGC 18)

Performing its membership obligations as the Chair of the ASEAN Customs Directors-General Meeting, Viet Nam Customs hosted the 18^th meeting of the Technical Sub-Working Group on Classification (TSWGC 18) held from October 14 to 19, 2025 in Da Nang.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Customs Administrations of 10 ASEAN member countries, the ASEAN Secretariat and Timor-Leste as an observer. This is a regular activity to exchange technical information, update changes in the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) as well as review and adjust the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) to be consistent with the new HS version.

At this meeting, delegates focused on discussing many important contents, including evaluating and reviewing chapters in AHTN 2022 to update contents according to the WCO HS 2028 version, discussing and approving proposals to amend the Supplementary Explanatory Notes (SEN) for AHTN 2022, updating the  Work Plan 2026, the Implementation Plan of the Strategic Plan on Classification for the period 2026–2030, and exchanging on ASEAN accession process related to economic documents and agreements.

The review and adjustment of the AHTN 2028 based on compatibility with HS 2028 is of particular importance in ensuring consistency, transparency and trade facilitation in the ASEAN region. This is also a demonstration of the common commitment of ASEAN Customs Administrations to promote extensive cooperation in the region, support trade facilitation activities and enhance the management and supervision capacity of Customs Administrations.

Hosting this meeting demonstrates the proactive, positive and responsible role of Viet Nam Customs in the regional integration process, and is also an opportunity to strengthen technical cooperation and promote harmonization of goods classification in ASEAN.

(Group photo of all the delegates attending the meeting)

International Cooperation Section – Department Office