IS THIS A PEN OR A CHEMICAL PRODUCT? *
Tariff Classification
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

All goods imported into the United States must be classified in a particular section and chapter of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). The particular tariff classification of an individual product will determine the applicable rate of customs import duty.

Tariff Classification of imported goods requires not only examining the harmonized tariff schedule and tariff codes, but also reviewing the chapter notes of the The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, the explanatory notes of the Brussels Nomenclature as well as reviewing the over 40,000 published rulings of Customs Headquarters and National Import Specialists.

International Tariff Management (ITM) has been doing this work for over 20 years and our experience has shown that about 10 -15% of imported goods are classified incorrectly. Of these items about 65% are costing the importer excessive duty charges whereas 35% are depriving the government of revenues. In either case, reasonable care would require that the proper HS tariff classification be achieved.

We have been very successful in saving our clients excessive import duty charges even when a ruling to the contrary was in place. Our experience is that the U.S. Customs Service is not always given complete information about the products that have been ruled on. Our in depth analysis, technical expertise and dedication has proved beneficial to our clients.

* The above item was incorrectly classified as a pen, and when reclassified as a chemical product our client saved over $ 85,000 per year.





NO MATTER HOW BASIC YOUR PRODUCT MAY SEEM, THE IMPORT TARIFF CLASSIFIATION MAY BE INCORRECT.