Tariff classification in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) can be daunting at first glance. However, with a little practice, anyone can learn to classify goods.
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) offers a free, online training module on their website to help you, or your employees, become proficient in the classification of merchandise. This three-hour class won’t make you an expert, but it will serve as a foundation of understanding.
The proper classification of a commodity is the driver for nearly every component in a cross border transaction. This includes duty assessment, documentary requirements, and the data that may need to be transmitted to satisfy partner government agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Agriculture. Thirty-one percent of this past year CBP requests were validating classifications.
We encourage all of our clients to learn more about the ever-changing world of international trade.