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.

Does the UK have special tariffs on Chinese goods?

No US-style 301 additional tariffs. The UK applies the UK Global Tariff uniformly, with no extra punitive tariffs on China.

Does air freight also require VAT?

Yes. VAT is charged at import regardless of shipping method. The 'ocean only' HMF rule is US-specific and does not apply in the UK.

What if my business is not VAT-registered?

If not registered, import VAT cannot be deducted and becomes a real cost. Factor it into your pricing.

How to Calculate UK Import Tariffs: UK Global Tariff + 20% VAT (Refundable)

Bottom line: The UK applies UK Global Tariff base duties (0%–12% for most consumer goods, no US-style 301/232 additional tariffs) plus 20% import VAT that is refundable for registered businesses. Actual tax burden is typically lower than the US.

What Layers Make Up UK Tariffs?

Layer	What it is	Description
UK Global Tariff	Post-Brexit UK autonomous tariff schedule	No China 301, no steel/aluminum 232 surcharges
Import VAT	20% standard rate	Calculated on (CIF + duty), refundable for registered businesses
(None) Section 301 / 232	UK does not use these US additional tariffs	—

Key difference: The US uses 301/232 multi-layer stacking; the UK has only one base tariff + refundable VAT.

Common UK Global Tariff Rates (Illustrative)

Product	UK GT Rate
Wooden furniture / chairs	0%
Bluetooth earphones / most consumer electronics	0%
T-shirts and apparel	~12%
Toys	0%
Plastic products	0%–6.5%

Illustrative figures. Check your specific HS code in HSBot for exact rates.

How Is 20% VAT Calculated and Refunded?

Tax base: (CIF value + duty) × 20%
Refundable: VAT-registered UK businesses can deduct import VAT as input tax when filing, so it doesn't hit profit
Impact on profit: Only ties up cash flow (pay now, deduct later), doesn't directly increase cost

Example: Wooden chairs CIF £9,000, duty 0% → Import VAT = £1,800, fully refundable for registered businesses.

How Does the UK Compare to the US?

Comparison	United States	United Kingdom
Base rate	MFN (by HS)	UK GT (by HS)
Additional tariffs	301 (China 7.5%–25%) + 232 (steel/aluminum/copper 50%)	None
Fees	MPF + HMF	20% VAT (refundable)
Tax base	FOB	CIF

Calculate UK Tariffs with HSBot

HSBot now supports UK tariff calculation: enter an HS code and value to automatically get UK GT and import VAT, distinguishing between "non-refundable" and "refundable" portions to avoid mistakenly counting VAT as cost.