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.

Which market has the highest tax burden?

Exports to the US are typically heaviest (multi-layer stacking + fees). The UK has low tariffs with refundable VAT. Export rebates are a direct cost reduction.

Yes, 20% is charged at import. But VAT-registered businesses can deduct it when filing, so it doesn't actually increase cost — it only occupies cash flow.

Can I get both export rebate and avoid US tariffs?

Export rebate is a Chinese policy, and US tariffs are collected by US Customs. They are independent. Cost reduction relies on compliant classification and country optimization.

US vs UK vs China Tariff Comparison: How Much Does the Same Shipment Cost?

Bottom line: The US uses FOB with multi-layer stacking (301/232/MPF/HMF), the UK uses UK Global Tariff + 20% refundable VAT, and China offers export tax rebates — the same shipment has vastly different cost structures in different markets.

How Do the Three Tax Bases Differ?

Country/Region	Tax base	Additional tariff mechanism	Typical fees/taxes
United States	FOB (excluding freight)	301/232 multi-layer stacking	MPF 0.3464% + HMF 0.125% (ocean only)
United Kingdom	CIF (including freight and insurance)	No 301/232-style additional tariffs	20% import VAT (refundable for registered businesses)
China (export rebate)	FOB	Rebate of domestic VAT, not a tax	Rebate reduces cost

Same Wooden Chairs — How Much Does Cost Differ by Market? (Illustrative)

Assume Chinese-made wooden chairs, FOB $10,000, ocean freight:

Market	Duties/Surcharges	Fees/VAT	Effective Cost Impact
Export to US	MFN 0% + 301 25% = $2,500	MPF $34.64 + HMF $12.50	+25.47% (~$2,547)
Export to UK	UK GT 0%	20% VAT (refundable, cash flow only)	0% tariff, VAT refundable
China export rebate	—	13% VAT rebate	Cost −13% (~¥9,360 refundable)

Illustrative figures. Use HSBot for real-time calculations and official rebate rates. Conclusion: US has the heaviest tax burden, UK has low tariffs but VAT ties up cash flow, and export rebates offer the most direct cost reduction.

Why Does the UK "Look" Cheaper?

The UK has no US-style Section 301 (on China) or Section 232 (steel/aluminum/copper) additional tariffs. Imports are only subject to the UK Global Tariff base rate (0% for wooden chairs/most electronics, ~12% for apparel). Plus 20% import VAT — but VAT-registered UK businesses can deduct it like input tax, so it doesn't hit profit, just ties up cash flow temporarily.

How Does China Export Rebate Offset Costs?

Exporting to the US means paying 25%+ in tariffs, but China's export tax rebate returns the domestic VAT already paid (commonly 13%). One way up, one way down — the exporter's true tax burden is partially offset. See "How to Calculate China Export Tax Rebate" for details.

See Costs Across All Three Countries with HSBot

HSBot supports US and UK import tariff calculation plus China export rebate lookup. Enter an HS code to see each layer and total cost, helping you calculate true profit per market before quoting.