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General Notes in the HTSUS: What They Are and Why They Matter Most importers flip straight to the tariff code. A few get as far as the chapter notes. But almost nobody starts in the General Notes of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), where the real money-saving opportunities live. Tucked neatly […]
FTA Summaries, Preference Programs, and the Fine Print That Saves You Money Read More »
The Notes Nobody Reads (But Everyone Should) If you’re relying on a keyword search or a code look-up tool to classify your imports, you’re playing a risky game. HTS classification isn’t just about matching a description, it’s about following a legal framework built on layers of fine print that most people never bother to read.
Why HTS Classification Requires More Than Just a Code Search Read More »
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 »
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 »
On April 1, 2024, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released a new Cargo Systems Messaging Service announcement addressing “vague descriptions” of imported merchandise. The CSMS reminded importers of the importance of using a complete verbal description, in English, with sufficient detail. On April 11, 2024, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released a new CSMS: “# 60144714 –
Don’t Give Customs an Excuse to Ask a Question—Part 2! Read More »