Sometimes discussions take place on comparison or correlations between HS Code and UN Number.

What is HS Code & UN Number?

There is no relationship between HS Code and UN Number both are separate, each for its own purpose.

Misdeclared or non-declared dangerous goods is the most alarming concern in the shipping industry today. These cargoes, misdeclared/non-declared, have resulted in large fires in the recent past.

See misdeclared dangerous goods survey result here

Republic of Korea had made a study using HS Codes to identify misdeclared or non-declared dangerous goods. [source, IMO CCC 2/INF.1] The study has some interesting results, it does identify dangerous goods but with limitations.

• Based on matching HS Code with UN Number
• Sometimes HS Codes are misreported by shippers, where actual goods are not often matched with declared HS Codes.
• Limitation to find accurate information with HS Code.
• One HS Code may match with 10 UN Numbers

I invite the readers to submit their views