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Tariff Classification for U.S. and Canadian Importers: A Critical and Unavoidable Step in Cross-Border Shipping

Tariff Classification for US and Canadian Importers A Critical and Unavoidable Step for Cross-Border-Shipping Whitepaper cover
cargo ship coming to port with shipments for tariff classification for US and Canada cross-border shipping
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According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), tariff classification mistakes are a top cause of shipment clearance delays, as well as a red flag for a potential customs audit.  Every product entering or leaving the United States must be assigned a classification code, but assigning the correct code can be a daunting exercise. 

Tariff classification is the process of determining the correct tariff code for goods crossing international borders.  It is an unavoidable, yet highly important step in the worldwide customs clearance process since a shipment’s assigned tariff code will determine duties and eligibility for duty-free status, among other factors. Identifying the correct code though, can be difficult.  It’s easy to make a mistake, with an error potentially resulting in under-or-over-payment of duties, missed free trade agreement benefits, punitive penalties, and delays in the customs clearance process. 

Our whitepaper provides an in-depth overview of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule, along with information about why proper classification is essential. We also dive into:

  • What you need to know about the International Harmonized System 
  • How tariff classifications work and the purpose of classification codes
  • What you need to know when importing to Canada and the Customs Tariff System 
  • Understanding Canada’s Customs Tariff System and how to avoid classification errors 

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