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Duty rates aren’t set in stone. They’re set in law. Like most legal frameworks, they come with nuance, exceptions, and opportunities. Understanding how those rates are calculated (and how they can be lowered) is less about beating the system and more about understanding it better than the next importer. If your duty rates seem higher […]
How to Determine If Your Product Qualifies for Lower Tariffs Read More »
Tariff engineering is a term that often sparks confusion and, occasionally, suspicion. Some assume it’s a loophole. Others assume it’s illegal. Neither is accurate. When done correctly, tariff engineering is a lawful, strategic method of designing products to fit within more favorable tariff classifications. When done incorrectly, it’s a fast track to compliance violations, audits,
Tariff Engineering: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How to Do It Right Read More »
A timely clarification for when trade policy decides to keep importers on their toes. With blanket tariffs making headlines again and compliance officers reaching for the antacids, there’s no shortage of confusion about trade terminology. One of the most common questions we hear, especially in light of the Trump-era tariffs being revisited, is this: What’s
What Is the Difference Between a Tariff and a Duty? Read More »
Customs brokers play an essential role in international trade. They process entries, deal with forms most people never want to read, and help keep your goods moving. But as any seasoned importer will tell you: not all brokers are created equal – and not all of them get your HTS classification right. While it’s tempting
Five Signs Your Customs Broker Is Getting Your HTS Codes Wrong Read More »
If you’re an importer in 2025, you know that tariffs don’t just live in headlines. They live in your landed costs, your margin reports, and your CFO’s nightmares. The tariff rollercoaster is ramping up. With rising geopolitical tensions, renewed Section 301 and 232 actions, and a steady undercurrent of protectionist trade policy, we’re firmly in
How to Navigate HTS Classification During a Tariff War Read More »
Artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in automation, efficiency, and data processing. In many industries, AI tools have improved accuracy and streamlined decision-making, often outperforming human capabilities. However, when it comes to tariff classification, AI’s reliability is, shall we say, debatable. For businesses engaged in international trade, proper classification under the Harmonized System (HS)
Why AI Tools for Tariff Classification May Lead You Down the Wrong Road Read More »
Today’s world is interconnected and fraught with risks. Securing supply chains has become more crucial than ever. What started as a post-9/11 initiative to prevent threats like smuggling and terrorism has evolved into a comprehensive system for safeguarding the global flow of goods. Supply chain security now encompasses not only physical threats but also cybersecurity,
Most Commonly Asked Questions About Supply Chain Security Read More »
Navigating the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) can feel like trying to decode a foreign language – but it’s an essential skill for anyone involved in international trade. As the official system for classifying imported goods and determining duty rates, the HTSUS plays a critical role in ensuring compliance, calculating tariffs, and
Most Commonly Asked Questions About the HTSUS Read More »
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced plans to increase tariffs on tungsten and silicon products, with the intent of applying more pressure on Chinese imports. These changes target three subheadings related to tungsten, where tariffs will rise to 25%, and two subheadings for wafers and polysilicon, where tariffs will jump to 50%. These
Higher Tariffs on Tungsten and Silicon Products: What You Need to Know Read More »
The “de minimis” rule, part of Section 321 of the Tariff Act, allows duty-free importation of goods valued under $800 per day, per individual shipment. While this rule was designed to streamline low-value imports, there is evidence suggesting it’s now being exploited by overseas retailers, like Temu and Shein, to flood the US market with
How Overseas Retailers Are Exploiting American Trade Laws Read More »