Introduction to Tariff Classification: Are Your Products Classified Correctly?

This training program will discuss why the role of Harmonized System (HS) classification is crucial to the import process. The HS classification is a multipurpose, global classification tool developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization. It is used by customs agencies around the world to classify the products entering a country’s borders and forms the basis for the customs tariff of 179 countries. In fact, most countries consider the misclassification of products to be a trade violation; making tariff classification a major trade compliance issue.

Why Should You Attend:

Ninety-eight percent of the merchandise in international trade is classified in terms of the Harmonized System (HS). This fact requires that companies involved in trade know how to use the HS to properly classify their products. Despite the wide use of the Harmonized System as the basis for the customs tariff of over 170 countries, many companies involved in global trade still struggle without a distinct understanding of how HS works and why it is a key factor in trade compliance.

This webinar will provide attendees with an introduction to the HS. In addition to providing a description of the HS, it will explain how it works and why it must be used to correctly and compliantly classify products in international trade. The course will discuss the General Rules of Interpretation, Explanatory Notes and official rulings to the HS. The webinar will also include a discussion of the structure of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) and outline the steps that should be followed to properly classify a product.

Some of the key topics to be addressed in the webinar are:

• The HS and trade compliance
• Why the HS must be used
• Proper classification of products
• The use of the Explanatory Notes to the HS

Learning Objectives:

After completing the webinar, attendees should be able to:

• Understand the structure of the HS
• Understand the General Rules of Interpretation
• Understand how to find the correct tariff classification for their product

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

• Background on Harmonized System
• Structure of the Harmonized System
• General Rules of Interpretation
• Use of Explanatory Notes
• Tariff Rulings and Other Official Guidance

Who Will Benefit:

• All companies engaged in international trade
• Purchasing department staff
• Compliance officers
• Supply chain managers and analysts
• Logistics department staff
• Trade regulatory/legislative affairs professionals
• Sales/marketing personnel
• Training personnel
• Consultants
• International business operations