HS (Harmonized System) code is an internationally standardized product classification system developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), adopted by over 200 countries. It consists of 6 digits globally, with countries extending to 10 digits (e.g., US HTS 10-digit, UK Commodity Code 10-digit, China HS 10-digit).

How accurate is AI HS code classification?

HSBot is built on official customs policy and real customs data. For common products, classification accuracy exceeds 95%. AI results are for reference only—actual declarations should be verified with customs authorities. Combining product details (material, usage, composition) improves accuracy.

What countries does HSBot support?

HSBot currently supports US HTS codes and UK tariff codes (import classification) and China HS codes (export classification), covering the most common China-US and China-UK trade scenarios. More countries including EU, Japan, Vietnam, and Mexico are coming soon.

How many free queries do I get per day?

Free users can make 20 classification queries per day. The quota resets at 00:00 Beijing time daily. Contact us for enterprise plans with higher limits and API access.

What is Section 232 tariff?

Section 232 tariff is an additional US import duty on steel, aluminum, and copper products based on national security grounds. HSBot automatically calculates applicable Section 232 rates based on HS code prefixes and exporting country.

What is Section 301 tariff?

Section 301 tariff is an additional US import duty on certain products from China, in response to trade practices. HSBot automatically identifies applicable Section 301 rates and checks for tariff exclusions.

Can I avoid tariffs by shipping from another country?

Only if substantial processing is completed and the country of origin changes. Fake transit (just relabeling) is anti-circumvention violation with high risk.

How do I check exemption lists?

Enter your HS code in HSBot to see if it falls under 232/301 exemptions. You can also check official USTR lists.

How much impact does the end of de minimis have?

Packages under $800 are subject to duty starting 2026-06-24. DTC/small-package sellers face higher costs and need accurate shipment calculations.

How to Reduce Tariff Costs: 4 Compliant Strategies

Bottom line: Reduce tariff costs with four strategies — use the right HS code (avoid high rates), leverage exemptions, optimize supply chain country (compliantly), and calculate shipments accurately. HSBot helps you see optimization opportunities layer by layer.

Strategy 1: Accurate Classification — Use the Right HS Code

The same product classified under different HS codes can see rates jump from 0% to 25%.

✅ Compliant: Choose the most accurate code based on "material + usage + processing method" to qualify for lower rates
❌ Red line: Deliberately classifying under lower-rate codes to evade taxes = false declaration, leading to back taxes + penalties + credit downgrade

Strategy 2: Leverage Exemptions

Section 232 / 301 exemption lists: Some products have duty-free exceptions. Enter your HS code in HSBot to check eligibility
De minimis ($800 exemption): Permanently cancelled as of 2026-06-24. Small packages are no longer exempt
Free Trade Agreements (FTA): Sourcing from agreement countries can qualify for preferential rates with a certificate of origin

Strategy 3: Optimize Supply Chain Country (Compliant)

Complete substantial processing/assembly in a third country to change tariff classification and country of origin, legally qualifying for different rates
⚠️ Anti-circumvention red line: Pure "relabel and transship" = illegal, facing confiscation + criminal risk
Use HSBot to compare "direct shipping vs. third-country assembly" tax burdens to see if it's worthwhile

Strategy 4: Calculate Accurately — Don't Miss or Overpay

Manual line-by-line calculations easily miss MPF/HMF or mix FOB/CIF bases. Use HSBot's shipment aggregation to automatically stack all layers and get the effective rate, preventing quote distortion.