Tariff and HS Code Classifications - Avalara

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Uncomplicate cross-border trade and tariff compliance

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You’ll learn how Avalara Tariff Code Classification can help improve accuracy, reduce duty costs, and accelerate customs clearance.

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BENEFITS

Simplify your processes with automated tariff code classification software

Accelerate Trade with Agentic AI

Avalara MCP servers embed compliance intelligence into ERPs, ecommerce, and supply chains to streamline cross-border compliance. Learn more

Get AI-powered classification

Receive highly accurate HS and HTS code classifications powered by algorithms based on a combination of AI and machine learning engines, plus human expertise.

Elevate customer experience

Keep your customers happy by using more accurate classifications to properly charge customs duties at checkout.

Improve cross-border compliance

Increase documentation accuracy to overcome cross-border challenges, reduce customs shipment delays, and avoid additional supply chain and delivery costs.

Integrate with existing apps

Connect and scale seamlessly with existing business applications, API, or file-based workflows (SFTP).

Support large product catalogs

Classify large product catalogs in batches with Avalara Trade Compliance. No prior HS classification experience is necessary.

HOW IT WORKS

Avalara Tariff Code Classification

Avalara Tariff Code Classification automates the classification of HS, HTS, and Schedule B codes by evaluating product-level details and assigning the code for that product in more than 180 countries based on regularly updated customs data.

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Video: Avalara automates HS code assignments and international tax calculations.

Avalara tariff and HS code classification software

A complete platform for an end-to-end tax compliance solution

Avalara Automated Tariff Code Classification 

Avalara Automated Tariff Code Classification An AI-based tool that quickly classifies large product catalogs to HS or HTS codes to calculate customs duties and taxes in compliance with international requirements.

Commonly used by brokers and shippers
Provides real-time HS-6 or -10 classification based on our extensive content library that is consistently updated and expanded through machine learning models
Upgrade to Avalara Automated Tariff Code Classification Pro to receive specific AI/ML models based on your product catalog, plus post-audit support

Avalara Self-Serve Tariff Code Classification 

A user-friendly HS classification tool that uses AI to generate mandatory universal 6-digit or country-specific 10-digit HTS codes from commercial goods descriptions.

Commonly used by brokers and shippers
Driven by intelligent interactivity, the classification process intuitively delivers a single tariff code for each product
Automated tool for in-house research that delivers hard-to-find trade information instantly and more accurately

Avalara Managed Tariff Code Classification 

An automated solution built to streamline the classification process offering HS code support for more than 180 countries. With a team of 260+ classifiers, plus proprietary AI, it can scale product volumes ranging from dozens to millions.

Commonly used by large shippers
Supports large product catalogs and high-order values
Upgrade to Managed Tariff Code Classification Premium to get in-depth support for complex products and expert analysis of ingredients, materials, restrictions, and more

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Integrations

Avalara powers cross-border compliance for Shopify Markets and eBay International Shipping

Explore 1,400+ signed partner integrations

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Find the right solution for your business

	Automated Tariff Code Classification	Self-Serve Tariff Code Classification	Managed Tariff Code Classification — Premium option available
Features	Automatically classify your products using AI/ML models, fine-tuned over time and trained on an expansive catalog of items Interactive guided experience to self-classify your products Leverage experts for custom-grade HS classification	Interactive guided experience to self-classify your products	Leverage experts for custom-grade HS classification
How it works	Essentials (pre-trained) — Classification based on +30M* regularly updated and refined listings or Pro (custom-trained) — Tailored and customized AI modeling based on your listings Interactive user experience + expert based, AI-assisted support No prior experience in HS classification needed Batch classification available AI/machine learning + human expertise	Interactive user experience + expert based, AI-assisted support No prior experience in HS classification needed Batch classification available	AI/machine learning + human expertise
Audit support	Post-audit for custom-trained Tariff schedule surfaced through interactive experience to demonstrate auditability Rulings provided and justification for classification	Tariff schedule surfaced through interactive experience to demonstrate auditability	Rulings provided and justification for classification
Integration options	Bulk file upload, API API, SaaS UI Bulk file upload, API	API, SaaS UI	Bulk file upload, API
Input needed	Product description; Destination country for HS10 Product description; Destination country Item name summary; Item URL; Destination country	Product description; Destination country	Item name summary; Item URL; Destination country
Output data	6- or 10-digit tariff code; Batch classification available 6- or 10-digit tariff code 10-digit tariff code; Also includes case studies and rulings (optional for Managed Premium)	6- or 10-digit tariff code	10-digit tariff code; Also includes case studies and rulings (optional for Managed Premium)

*Classification listing count as of 1/1/2023

CUSTOMER STORIES

See what our customers have to say

“I’d have to hire at least three people with tax experience to do the work that Avalara is doing for us.”

—Jason Macatangay
Chief Financial Officer, Threadless

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“The Self-Serve Tariff Code Classification tool has transformed the way our merchants approach international shipping. It’s an easy, accurate, and cost-effective solution that has streamlined the process, enabling our customers to expand their operations without the fear of customs-related complications.”

—Shea Felix
Vice President, GlobalPost International

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Frequently asked questions

Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers connect Avalara HS Code Classification APIs and curated Avalara Trade and Tariff Library APIs to AI agents and partner platforms. This enables compliance tasks like tariff code classification and trade restrictions management to run automatically inside ERPs, marketplaces, and supply chain systems. The result is faster onboarding, fewer errors, and smoother global trade operations.

Harmonized System (HS) codes are internationally standardized 6-digit codes used to classify traded goods. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes are 10-digit extensions of HS codes used by the U.S. to determine import duties and regulations. Tariff codes generally refer to classifications used to impose duties on imports, varying by country and often based on the HS system. Schedule B codes are 10-digit codes used by the U.S. to classify exported goods, maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau .

HS codes are important because they’re the language of international merchandise trade. Not only is HS classification a mandatory requirement for customs, but submitting an inaccurate HS code can result in an overpayment or underpayment of duties and taxes or a violation of trade compliance laws, which can lead to goods being delayed at the border and an assessment of penalties and fines.

It’s not recommended to use the same HS code for multiple products if they’re different in composition, form, or function. HS codes are assigned based on the specific characteristics of the product, so each product should be classified under the appropriate code that best describes its attributes.

HS codes are periodically reviewed and updated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to ensure that they reflect changes in technology, trade practices, and new products entering the market. The most recent version of the HS (HS 2022) became effective on January 1, 2022. However, many countries still use older HS versions, which are noncompatible with HS 2022. It’s important to know that country-specific tariff codes and their associated duty rates can change several times a year as well.

All Avalara Tariff Code Classification offerings classify products to the country-specific tariff level and help with taxability determination and shipment requirements, although the level of support from our team of experts varies to cater to your needs.

Automated HS code classification is achieved through the deployment of ML and AI technology. Avalara Tariff Code Classification offerings combine an intuitive AI-enabled tool with machine learning and human expertise.

The penalties for incorrect HS code classification vary depending on the country and the severity of the violation. However, in a recent Avalara survey , respondents reported that the incorrect classification of goods resulted in more frequent delays in customs, added costs of tariffs and duties, extra supply chain costs, and failure to meet customers’ delivery expectations.

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Automate the assignment of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes with Avalara Tariff Code Classification

Uncomplicate cross-border trade and tariff compliance