FAQ

1. What should I consider before importing?
   There are many things to consider including the HTS classification, quotas, embargoes, copyright, trademark, license, safety and environmental standards, country of origin etc. The TariffPro Advisor provides a good part of this information in one report.


2. What is the U.S. Harmonized Tariff schedule (HTS)?
   The U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (U.S. HTS) provides special codes and descriptions for classifying virtually any product that will be imported into the country and the associated tariffs for the product. It is based of the World Tariff System. Each country or Customs Union that is part of the World Trade Organization has a Harmonized Tariff Schedule. In the U. S, the Customs and Border Protection Agency is responsible for administering the U.S. HTS.


3. How often is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule updated?
   You can expect a many as six updates or more updates in a year depending on a number of factors including Presidential Proclamations or international nomenclature, statistical provisions, temporary import provisions.


4. Why can't I find my product in the Harmonized schedule?
   Descriptions in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule are arcane legal descriptions. As an example, natural language words as laptops are described in the USHTS as “automated data processing machines”. The TariffPro Advisor deconstructs the arcane language for you.


5. I imported a product last year and I know the USHTS classification. Do I need to order the TariffPro Advisor again?
   Yes. Because of frequent changes in the HTS and to avoid surprises, we recommend getting the most up-to-date report from TariffPro Advisor.


6. Are there any other taxes and fees besides import duties?
   Yes, there are other taxes and fees depending on a number of variables including product, mode of transportation, value, quantity, temporary legislation etc.


7. What are Anti-dumping duties?
   Antidumping duties are assessed on goods from specific companies with the aim of protecting U.S. Industry from foreign manufacturers selling goods in the U.S at less than fair market value.


8. What is Chapter 99?
   Chapter 99 is reserved in the US HTS for temporary legislation


9. What are quotas?
   Quotas are quantitative restriction on an imported item for a given period of time.


10. What are countervailing duties?
    Unlike antidumping duties which are manufacturer specific, countervailing duties (CVD) are country specific. CVD cases are established when foreign governments subsidize and gives tax breaks to manufacturers therefore allowing them to sell their goods cheaper.


11. Is the TariffPro Advisor always current?
    Yes, we update our duty rates and business rules as published by CBP.


12. Do I need a Customs Broker to clear my goods?
    You are not legally required to hire a Customs Broker to clear goods but many people prefer the convenience of using a Customs broker because of their domain knowledge and expertise.


13. Can I import through the mail?
    In general, you can import through the mail as long as the item is legal, you meet the value threshold, and the item is not subject to formal entry requirements.


14. Can I do business with any party in a foreign country if they have a legitimate company?
    It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that their trading partner is not on the U.S. government list of terrorists, Specially Designated Nationals List, Targeted Countries etc.


15. What countries can I import from?
    Generally you can import from most countries except Cuba, Iraq, Libya, Serbia, Afghanistan, and Sudan. Additionally, you must comply with the US economic sanctions and restrictions that target specific countries including Zimbabwe, Burma, Syria, etc.


16. What are the fines for violating US trade sanctions?
    Violating US trade sanctions can result in not only substantial fines but imprisonment as well. Civil and criminal penalties can start as high as $10,000 and $50,000 respectively. Imprisonment for willful conduct can range from 10years-30years.


17. Can I bring back alcohol when returning to the US from a different country?
    In general a traveler older than 21 can bring back a liter of alcohol without any duties. The total amount of alcohol you may bring back without any taxes varies by the state you will arrive in.


18. Do I have to pay import duties on items purchased online?
    If the item is dutiable you will have to pay import duties and taxes whether the item is purchased online or offline. Customs and Border Protection collects import duties.


19. What is the import duty on cars?
    Import duty on cars depend on a number of factors including: the engine size, age, intended use etc.


20. What is CIF?
    CIF is an incoterm or international trade valuation standard which means the quoted price includes cost insurance and freight up to the point of import.


21. What is FOB?
    FOB is an incoterm or international trade valuation standard for free on board. This means the quoted price includes transportation and insurance charges from the manufacturer to the point of export.


22. What is DDP?
    DDP is an incoterm or international trade valuation standard for delivered duty paid. This means the seller is responsible for all charges including transportation, customs duty, and clearance so that the goods are delivered to the door of the importer.


23. How do I determine the import duty rate?
    In order to determine your import duty rate you will need to classify your product according to the harmonized tariff schedule of the United States or use a classification tool from a company.


24. Is bedroom furniture from China subject to antidumping?
    Yes, for the most updated antidumping duty or restrictions contact your international trade professional or Tariffpro customer service.


25. Can I import Chinese made toothpaste?
    Chinese toothpaste and other tainted products are under heavy scrutiny and may not be imported into the US. The FDA issued an alert warning consumers against toothpaste from China because some contain antifreeze. For the most updated restriction contact your international trade professional or Tariffpro customer service.


26. What date is used for exchange rate purposes?
    For Customs purposes the date of export is used to determine the applicable exchange rate.


27. What is NAFTA?
    NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement under which certain goods from Canada and Mexico are eligible to reduced rates of duty or duty free.


28. Do duty rates vary according to the country of origin?
    Yes unless the countries belong to the same preferential trade program and have no other restrictions in place.


29. How are law makers responding to recalls of popular children toys?
    According to Futures and Commodity News "In the wake of massive recalls of popular children's toys, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced he will introduce legislation to create an import czar to monitor shipments and coordinate the efforts of agencies charged with consumer safety related to imports."


30. How many Chinese toys are imported into the US?
    According to China Toy Association "in the first quarter of 2007, the first three largest export categories (exclude other toys) were 'a kind of Video games used with a television receiver', 'other toys representing animals or non-human creatures'and 'other video games'with the sum of 815 million USD, 684 million USD and 628 million USD respectively."