Goods imported into the United States must be properly classified in accordance with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTSUS"), a classification system based upon an international nomenclature. Classification determines the admissibility of goods, the rate at which duty is paid, the applicability of import restrictions and the availability of reduced duty or duty free treatment under special tariff preference programs.
The HTSUS includes over 10,000 provisions designed to cover every conceivable product. Our firm specializes in obtaining the optimal classification for merchandise within these provisions. Our lawyers routinely provide guidance in determining:
- The most favorable duty rate available.
- The availability of special tariff programs that eliminate, reduce or defer duties (view)
- The applicability of import restrictions, quotas or special licensing requirements. (view)
- The applicability of antidumping or countervailing duties.(view)
- The applicability of special labeling or marking rules.(view)
- The availability of product modifications that may result in a lower rate of duty.
Because the HTSUS is based on an international nomenclature, our firm can also assist clients in identifying the classification of products that will be shipped to other countries. In these instances, we coordinate with foreign counsel to provide the same information and planning assistance that we offer for goods shipped to the United States.
The firm also assists clients in securing legislation to amend the tariff schedules to secure favorable duty benefits. See Legislation (view).
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Classification