Rules for Interpretation of HSN :
Rules for Interpretation of HSN are given in the HSN itself. These are termed as ‘General Interpretative Rules’ (GIR).
GIR (General Interpretative Rules) are to be applied for interpretation of Tariff, if classification is not possible on the basis of tariff entry and relevant chapter notes and section notes.
Following are the steps of classification of a product as per GIR.
(1) The titles of Sections and Chapters are provided for ease of reference only; for legal purposes, refer the heading and sub-heading. Read corresponding Section Notes and Chapter Notes (Rule 1 of GIR). If there is no ambiguity or confusion, the classification is final. You do not have to look to classification rules or trade practice or dictionary meaning. If classification is not possible, then only go to GIR. The rules are to be applied sequentially.
(2) If meaning of word is not clear, refer to trade practice. If trade understanding of a product cannot be established, find technical or dictionary meaning of the term used in the tariff. You may also refer to BIS or other standards, but trade parlance is most important.
(3) If goods are incomplete or un-finished, but classification of finished product is known, find if the unfinished item has essential characteristics of finished goods. If so, classify in same heading – Rule 2(a).
(4) If ambiguity persists, find out which heading is specific and which heading is more general. Prefer specific heading.- Rule 3(a).
(5) If problem is not resolved by Rule 3(a), find which material or component is giving ‘essential character’ to the goods in question – Rule 3(b).
(6) If both are equally specific, find which comes last in the Tariff and take it – Rule 3(c).
(7) If you are unable to find any entry which matches the goods in question, find goods which are most akin – Rule 4.
(8) In case of mixtures or sets too, the procedure is more or less same, except that each ingredient of the mixture or set has to be seen in above sequence. As per rule 2(b), any reference to a material or substance includes a reference to mixtures or combinations of that material or substance with other material or substance.
(9) Packing material is classified along with the goods except when the packing is for repetitive use – Rule 5