The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as the Harmonized System

(HS) of tariff nomenclature is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers to

classify traded products. It came into effect in 1988 and has since been developed and maintained by

the World Customs Organization (WCO) (formerly the Customs Co-operation Council), an

independent intergovernmental organization based in Brussels, Belgium, with over 200 member

countries.

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is an identifier for trade items, developed by GS1. Such

identifiers are used to look up product information in a database (often by entering the number

through a barcode scanner pointed at an actual product) which may belong to a retailer,

manufacturer, collector, researcher, or other entity.

The Global Location Number can be used by companies to identify their locations, giving them

complete flexibility to identify any type or level of location required.

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a number, usually unique, to identify 3GPP and

iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite phones.

Reference: CIPS study guide page 39

LO 1, AC 1.2