One of the key elements in determining if your products qualify under a free trade agreement involves classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Knowledge of classification techniques can afford significant savings under NAFTA, other free trade agreements and eventually the Trans-Pacific Free Trade Agreement when it is finalized. Classification of imported merchandise requires knowledge of the product, expertise in analyzing the HTSUS and a review of U.S. Customs and Border Protection rulings that can affect the merchandise in question. Proper classification is required to be compliant not only with free trade agreements but also with the importation of merchandise.
With respect of the classification of imported merchandise, you should be asking yourself the following questions: