Where our planning references come from.
We use official customs, trade, and logistics references when possible. The goal is to keep scenario planning grounded and easy to verify. Each source below includes what it is used for and when sellers should check it.
U.S. International Trade Commission — Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
Used for: Duty rate lookup and HS code classification. The HTS is the authoritative source for US import duty rates by product category.
Verify when: Before classifying a new product and before each import to confirm rates have not changed.
Visit official source ↗U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Used for: Customs procedures, entry requirements, MPF rates, and enforcement guidance. CBP administers all goods entering the US.
Verify when: Before your first import, when changing product categories, and when policy changes are announced.
Visit official source ↗CBP CROSS Rulings Database
Used for: Historical customs rulings that show how CBP has classified specific products. Useful for understanding classification logic.
Verify when: When classifying ambiguous products or before requesting your own binding ruling.
Visit official source ↗Federal Register
Used for: Official publication of tariff changes, trade policy updates, de minimis modifications, and other regulatory actions.
Verify when: When policy changes are rumored or announced — the Federal Register is the official record.
Visit official source ↗Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Used for: Section 301 tariff lists, trade agreement details, and country-specific trade actions. Authoritative source for which products face additional tariffs.
Verify when: Before sourcing from any country subject to Section 301 or other trade actions. Check for exclusion updates quarterly.
Visit official source ↗Carrier and Freight Forwarder Documentation
Used for: Actual freight rate quotes, transit time estimates, and shipping terms. These are the basis for our shipping cost planning assumptions.
Verify when: Before every shipment. Freight rates change weekly; always get a current quote from your forwarder.
Freight Forwarder Quote Assumptions
Used for: Our shipping cost calculators use planning rates derived from published carrier rate sheets and forwarder benchmarks. They are not live quotes.
Verify when: Use calculator estimates for early planning. Get firm quotes from at least 2-3 forwarders before booking freight.