CUS Code (Customs Union and Statistics Code) Inquiry & Application

What Is a CUS Code?

The Customs Union and Statistics Code (CUS Code) is a unique identifier assigned to chemicals listed in the European Customs Inventory of Chemical Substances (ECICS). It is used for customs declaration and regulatory purposes across the European Union.

Managed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), ECICS is an information tool that provides details on the customs classification, identification, and characteristics of chemical substances. The database currently contains tens of thousands of records.

Each chemical substance listed in ECICS is assigned a unique 8-digit CUS code (divided by a hyphen, e.g., 0011481-8 for barium sulfide). These codes facilitate database searches and communications with EU customs authorities.

Why Is the CUS Code Important?

Under the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), economic operators (such as carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics companies) are required to submit an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before goods enter the EU customs territory. For chemical products, providing a CUS code is strongly recommended as part of security and safety data.

For pure substances in a broad sense, economic operators are encouraged to provide, whenever possible, the CUS code as stated in ECICS, along with the precise name of the chemical substance, during customs declarations.

For mixtures and preparations for which no CUS code is available in ECICS, economic operators are encouraged to provide as precise a description as possible of the product. It is also recommended to complement the name of the mixtures or preparations by a statement of their composition (e.g., “solution of … in …”, “mixture of … and …”, “based on …”, “containing …”), preferably indicating the relevant CUS codes of the substances that the mixture contains. The goal is to have an indication of the relevant components for the tariff classification of the product and to be aware of any product that may require particular attention (e.g., hazardous substances for health or the environment).

Our Services: Inquiry and Application

At REACH24H Consulting Group, we offer comprehensive CUS Code inquiry and application services to help businesses meet EU customs and trade compliance requirements efficiently and effectively.

CUS Code Inquiry Service

1. Chemical Information collection
   Undertakings provide key information of the chemicals, such as the CAS number, chemical name, and molecular formula.
2. Database Search
   We perform a targeted search in the ECICS database.
3. Result & Compliance Advice
   You receive the identified CUS code along with practical compliance suggestions.

CUS Code Application Service

If the chemical is not listed in ECICS and therefore no CUS code is available, we can assist in applying for a new code.

Substances currently covered in ECICS include:

• Pesticides and plant protection products listed under ISO 1750;
• WHO-assigned International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) for pharmaceuticals;
• INN salts and esters (INNMs);
• Drug intermediates;
• Narcotic and psychotropic substances and their precursors;
• Ozone-depleting substances (ODS);
• Chemicals controlled under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC);
• Substances subject to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure;
• Other import/export-controlled goods;
• Colour Index (C.I.) dyes and pigments;
• Other commercially significant substances.

Application Process:

1. Data Collection
   We gather detailed product data: chemical name, CAS number, composition, structure, product description, SDS, intended use, etc.
2. Document Preparation & Submission
   We prepare and submit the application to DG TAXUD.
3. Follow-up & Code Issuance
   We coordinate closely with DG TAXUD, provide additional information if needed, and support the entire process until a CUS code is issued.

Note: The application timeline depends on the complexity of the substance. For example, polymers may require additional information and extended review. On average, the process may take several months.