C6u—U.S. Customs Tariff (HTSUS) Classification

Subscriber price: $295.00, Non-subscriber price: $380.00
Estimated total study time: 24 hours 35 minutes [Enroll now]

This is a comprehensive "nuts and bolts" training in how to properly classify goods in the U.S. customs tariff. You will learn the structure of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTSUS") and how to apply the HTS classification steps known as General Rules of Interpretation ("GRIs") to most types of products. The Additional Rules of Interpretation, general notes, including NAFTA eligibility and the most commonly used special provisions in the HTSUS (Chapter 98 and 99), are introduced.

This course is updated at the beginning of each year to reflect the amendments to the basic HTSUS. Links to the online version and to download the current HTSUS are provided. However, some students may find it more convenient to use the HTSUS in paper format to complete the practical exercises.

Use this course to rapidly train staff newly assigned to handle HTSUS and to fill in the gaps for existing staff who perform basic classification but who have not been formally trained.

Note: To keep this course relatively short, we do not provide complex practical application exercises for GRIs 3 and 4. For more in-depth training in HTS classification, we recommend GISTnet Course C5—Harmonized Tariff (HTS) Classification. Alternatively, for drill and practice purposes after taking this course, assign C8u—HTSUS Classification Post Evaluation; Learning by Practice and Simulation. Please note, there is also a final exam for certification purposes at the end of C8u.

Classification of Goods in the HTSUS (C6u)

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is subdivided into various elements which together form the structure of the nomenclature. In order to perform accurate classification it is essential to understand the relation between the elements. These elements are sections, chapters, subchapters, headings, subheadings, and notes. This first lesson deals with the general overall structure, and the breakdown by sections.

(Estimated study time: 53 minutes)

HTSUS Framework (C6u, C6.1u)

This lesson continues with the breakdown of the HTSUS by chapters, headings and subheadings. Also available for download in this module is a unique Chapter and Heading listing that is not commercially available. This document allows a quick glance at the whole HTSUS condensed into less than 30 pages.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 14 minutes)

HTSUS Section and Chapter Notes (C6u, C6.1u)

The next important thing to consider when determining the correct classification of an article are the section, chapter and subheading notes. Notes hold the key to exclusions and definition of terms.

(Estimated study time: 40 minutes)

More on Notes, Language and Punctuation (C6u)

Apart from the very structure of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), classifying involves the knowledge of the meaning of some Latin expressions, attention to punctuation, and awareness of the language of the HTSUS.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 13 minutes)

General Rule 1 (C6u)

HTSUS Classification in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is governed by six HTSUS General Rules of Interpretation. The General Rules provide a uniform and mandatory system to read and interpret all the elements of the tariff. Knowledge and understanding of those rules is the single most important prerequisite to accurately classify goods. We will begin with Rule 1 which deals with the legal elements.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 20 minutes)

General Rule 2 (C6u)

This lesson details how General Rule 2 expands the scope of headings. It covers incomplete, unassembled, mixed or composite goods. We will discuss how headings are expanded through GRI 2 to include goods that do not perfectly match the terms of those headings.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 11 minutes)

General Rule 3(a) (C6u)

Rule 3 is the referee. In this lesson we will discuss the first and second part of Rule 3. When a good is, at first glance, classifiable in two or more headings, it is Rule 3 that will tell us which heading to use. Rule 3(a) directs us to the heading whose text better identifies the goods.

(Estimated study time: 38 minutes)

General Rule 3(b) (C6u)

We know that Rule 3 tells what to do when goods are classifiable in two or more headings. If there is no heading that better identifies the goods according to Rule 3(a) then Rule 3(b) will provide the direction on when to use essential character to determine the proper heading.

(Estimated study time: 50 minutes)

General Rule 3(c) and 4 (C6u)

Rule 3 tells what to do when goods are classifiable in two or more headings. This lesson will provide training on when to move past essential character and look at the third part of Rule 3 to classify numerically in the last heading. Then, we will learn when to use the rule that applies when all else truly fails. Rule 4 helps classify something that can absolutely not be found elsewhere in the nomenclature.

(Estimated study time: 53 minutes)

General Rule 5 (C6u)

From Rule 5 we will learn how to classify packing materials and containers. This will include containers specially made for articles, as well as reusable and non-reusable containers.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 0 minutes)

General Rule 6 (C6u)

Rule 6 helps us determine the proper HTSUS subheading. We have learned that to find the proper heading we must apply rules 1-5 in order. Now, to find the subheading we must apply rules 1-5 in order again at the subheading level.

(Estimated study time: 54 minutes)

Additional U.S. Rules 1(a) & (b) (C6u)

The HTSUS Additional U.S. Rules of Interpretation are provided by the U.S. government to further clarify the GRIs. This lesson details the first two rules dealing with the use and purpose of goods.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 9 minutes)

Additional U.S. Rule 1(c) (C6u)

Continuing our discussion of the HTSUS Additional U.S. Rules of Interpretation we arrive at clarification for the classification of parts & accessories.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 18 minutes)

Additional U.S. Rule 1(d) (C6u)

Continuing our discussion of the HTSUS Additional U.S. Rules of Interpretation we arrive at clarification for mixtures of textile materials. This lesson is about classification by the weight of material and applicability of General rule 3(b) versus 3(c) for textiles.

(Estimated study time: 36 minutes)

A Classification Strategy (C6u)

After learning the theory of the HTSUS, the next step is to put it all together to make it work as a coherent ensemble. This is where we define some common pitfalls and discuss irregular situations. How goods are presented is a big part of determining the correct classification. The use and purpose of the good is also an important factor. We will discuss these and show that even when all the facts are given, the outcome can still be subjective.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 25 minutes)

General Notes 1-3 (C6u)

The General Notes give direction on how to handle the different trade agreements and provide guidance on tariff treatment of imported goods and what is considered the customs territory of the United States.

The General Notes also give guidance on determining the proper duty rate. General Note 3 describes the rates of duty columns and what they mean. There are codes called special program indicator (SPI)s that increase or decrease normal trade relation (NTR) duty rates. It is also essential to understand certain circumstances where articles are exempted from duty or allowed to be commingled together. This lesson addresses all of these issues.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 2 minutes)

GSP and NAFTA (C6u)

Some goods have a condition that must be met in order to be imported duty free or with a reduced duty rate. In this lesson we will talk about some of the regulations concerning the two most common trade agreements GSP and NAFTA that have conditions for importing at the preferential duty rate.

(Estimated study time: 59 minutes)

All Other General Notes (C6u)

The HTSUS General Notes define trade agreements, exemptions, and rules for determining the applicable duty rate. We will continue with our study of the General Notes and discuss other requirements for classification under various other free trade agreements.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 4 minutes)

Other HTSUS Notes (C6u)

The HTSUS contains notes in addition to those of the sections and chapters. There are HTSUS General Statistical Notes, HTSUS additional U.S notes, HTSUS General Notes and more! We will discuss each briefly in turn to give an idea of what they are and where to find them.

(Estimated study time: 53 minutes)

Chapter 98 Subchapter 1 (9801)—Articles Exported and Returned, Not Advanced or Improved in Condition; Animals Exported and Returned

In this lesson we review the conditions for U.S. Goods Returned touching on a few other provisions under 9801 for articles to returned to the U.S. with free or reduced duty.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 9 minutes)

Chapter 98 Subchapter 2 (9802)—Articles Exported and Returned, Advanced or Improved Abroad

9802 provides provisions for reduced duty for goods exported from the U.S., repaired or altered abroad and then returned to the U.S. This includes repaired articles and articles imported with U.S. content. We'll briefly discuss the conditions for re-importation.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 10 minutes)

Government Contract (9808) and TIB (9813) (C6u)

There are some other Chapter 98 provisions, but the two additional classifications you will see most often will probably be from HTSUS headings 9808 and 9813. In this lesson we will review government contract, talk a little bit about ITAR and temporary imports under bond.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 5 minutes)

Chapter 99 Provisions (C6u)

Chapter 99 provides temporary legislation for changes in the rate of duty charged upon import. We will review some of the circumstances to look into Chapter 99 for these special duty rates and some of the conditions for import.

(Estimated study time: 1 hour 59 minutes)