Accurate HTS Classification.
Lower Duty Risk.
Incorrect tariff classification leads to overpaid duty, underpaid duty, and CBP penalties. Kesco’s licensed brokers classify your goods against the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and flag AD/CVD exposure before your shipment arrives at port.
- Licensed Customs Brokers
- AD/CVD Screening
- Binding Ruling Support
- Classification Services
Licensed-Broker Classification
for Your Commodity Catalog
From single SKU review to full catalog classification programs, Kesco provides HTS classification backed by licensed broker expertise.
HTS Classification Support
10-digit HTS code determination for your commodity catalog, based on product technical specifications, composition, and intended use.
- GRI analysis applied to each classification
- CBP ruling research included
- Written classification rationale provided
AD/CVD Exposure Screening
Antidumping and countervailing duty orders are assessed at the time of classification. We identify AD/CVD exposure before your cargo is on the water.
- Current AD/CVD order review by HTS and origin
- Cash deposit rate identification
- Scope ruling research for ambiguous cases
CBP Binding Ruling Support
For commodities where classification is ambiguous or contested, Kesco assists in preparing and submitting binding ruling requests to CBP for a legally binding classification determination.
- Ruling request preparation and submission
- Technical exhibit and sample coordination
- Binding at all US ports of entry once issued
- Related Services
Classification Connects to Brokerage and Drawback
Accurate HTS codes are the foundation of clean customs entries and valid drawback claims. Kesco handles all three.
- Customs Services
Customs Brokerage
Licensed entry filing using the HTS codes Kesco classifies, ensuring your entries are accurate at the time of filing.
- Customs Services
Duty Drawback
Correct HTS classification on import entries is a prerequisite for clean drawback claims. Misclassification creates complications at the recovery stage.
- Overview
Customs & Financial Services
See all four services together: brokerage, drawback, classification, and cargo insurance under one licensed team.
- FAQ
HTS Classification Questions
What classification involves, why it matters, and when a binding ruling makes sense.
HS code classification is the process of assigning the correct Harmonized System (HS) code to imported or exported goods. In the US, the HTS extends this to 10 digits, determining the duty rate, AD/CVD exposure, and any import requirements applicable to the commodity. CBP requires accurate classification on every entry under the reasonable care standard.
Misclassification can result in underpayment or overpayment of duties, CBP penalties up to four times the unpaid duty for negligent misclassification, loss of trade program benefits, and potential detention of goods. CBP expects importers to exercise reasonable care. Licensed broker classification support significantly reduces misclassification risk.
The correct HTS code is determined by applying the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) in sequence to the product's characteristics, composition, and principal use. Kesco's licensed brokers perform this analysis based on product specifications, technical documentation, and research of current CBP rulings and court precedent applicable to the commodity.
A CBP binding ruling is a written determination from US Customs and Border Protection establishing the HTS classification for specific merchandise before importation. It is legally binding on CBP at all US ports of entry and provides classification certainty for ongoing import programs. Kesco assists importers in preparing and submitting binding ruling requests.
Get Your HTS Classification Right
Tell us about your commodity and import volumes. We’ll review your classification exposure and recommend next steps.