Customs duties are indirect taxes levied on imported or exported physical goods. Import taxes are consumption taxes imposed by governments, usually as a percentage of the selling price plus any customs duties. VAT and GST are common examples of import taxes.

For real-time duty and import tax calculation, yes. HS and tariff codes are tied to the duty rate for a specific product in a specific country. If you do not yet have a final code, some solutions can estimate duties at checkout using limited product data, but accurate classification is still needed for precise calculations and customs reporting.

HS codes are standardized 6-digit product classification codes used internationally. HTS codes are country-specific extensions of HS codes, such as the 10-digit codes used by the U.S. Tariff code is a broader term often used for the classification a country uses to assign duties and import rules.

HS code classification is a customs requirement and a key input for landed cost. Using the wrong code can lead to overpaid or underpaid duties, customs delays, and possible penalties or fines.

Usually not. Products that differ in composition, form, or function should be classified based on their own specific characteristics. Reusing one code across different products can increase the risk of misclassification.

Tariffs are based on the country of origin, not the country of export. The country of export is simply where the goods shipped from. Country of origin affects duty rates, trade agreement eligibility, and certain labeling requirements.

Country of origin is one of the core data points used to determine the correct duty treatment. In addition to classification and declared value, origin can affect whether a product qualifies for preferential treatment under a free trade agreement and whether the correct tariff rate is applied.

HS codes are reviewed periodically by the World Customs Organization, while country-specific tariff codes and duty rates can change multiple times a year. In 2026, there has been active tariff policy changes, tighter enforcement, and new trade measures in several markets.

Businesses should keep detailed records of tariff classifications, duty calculations, import tax amounts, entry summaries, and transaction dates. Clear documentation and a reliable audit trail can help businesses quantify duties paid and support refund or drawback claims where available.

Potentially, yes, depending on the type of tariff and the legal outcome involved. If IEEPA tariff refunds are authorized, the importer of record would likely need to request the refund and provide documentation showing the duties were paid, with entry details available through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

Bad data can create practical and financial problems: customs delays, denied refunds, incorrect duty payments, and greater audit exposure. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation may delay or prevent tariff refunds.

These are different types of U.S. trade measures, each created under separate legal authorities and used for different policy goals:

• Section 122 tariffs are temporary measures that can be applied to address balance-of-payments issues or protect the U.S. dollar. They are typically short-term and broad in scope.
• Section 301 tariffs are used to address unfair trade practices by other countries, such as intellectual property concerns. These tariffs often target specific goods from specific countries.
• Section 232 tariffs focus on national security. They are applied to imports that are determined to threaten critical industries, such as steel or aluminum.
• IEEPA tariffs are imposed under emergency economic powers during national emergencies. These can be broad and may change quickly depending on geopolitical conditions.

Each type of tariff has different rules, timelines, and eligibility for exclusions or refunds. Understanding which tariff applies is important for accurate duty calculation, compliance, and identifying potential refund opportunities.