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Introduction to January 2006 Issue
The January 2006 issue of the AHECC becomes operative on 1 January 2006. Users should ensure they have the latest version by using the complete updated manual, or by inserting the new set of replacement pages in their existing copies.
Acrobat copies of the complete January 2006 issue of AHECC, as well as the replacement pages for the 1 July 2002, 1 January 2003, 1 July 2003, 1 January 2004 and 1 January 2005 updates, are available to be downloaded and printed from the International Trade theme page, available from this link: Using Foreign Trade Statistics\Classification. There were no updates in July 2004 and July 2005.
NOTE: These documents are designed to be printed double-sided.
The AHECC is designed for use by exporters, customs brokers and freight forwarders in the classification of goods when providing export declarations to the Australian Customs Service, and to assist users interpret export statistics published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
It is compiled by the ABS and based on the six digit international Harmonized Description and Coding System (Harmonized System or HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for describing internationally traded goods. Australia extends the six digit international HS by two digits to provide a finer level of detail to meet Australian statistical requirements.
The most significant changes to the classification occur when the WCO undertakes periodic reviews of the international HS. Implementation of the last review occurred on 1 January 2002 and the next is expected to be implemented on 1 January 2007. Between these major reviews, the ABS keeps the AHECC current by making any updates required on 1 January and 1 July each year.
Users should check the International Trade theme page for the most recent information relating to the AHECC.
Any queries should be referred to the contact officers listed in section 1.10 Contact officers. If you have any difficulties accessing the AHECC on the ABS web site, please contact the ABS Classification Manager on (02) 6252 5409 or email <international.trade@abs.gov.au>.
December 2005
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