Buyer decision guide
Model U.S. Import Duty Assumptions
Document a provisional U.S. duty scenario for sourcing comparisons without presenting an HS code or estimated rate as a customs ruling.
Open the toolPrepare a controlled input
The calculator or checklist is only as useful as the commercial and product facts entered into it.
Use this when
- Early supplier comparisons need a border-cost placeholder.
- Several candidate classifications could materially change the result.
- A team needs to see which customs assumptions remain unresolved.
Inputs to collect
- Detailed product description
- Candidate classification and source
- Country of origin
- Customs-value basis
- Provisional duty and other border charges
- Review owner and review date
Decision workflow
Keep the working basis visible so another reviewer can reproduce the conclusion.
Define the product
Capture function, materials, construction and intended use before searching a classification source.
Record a candidate basis
Enter the candidate code and rate as an assumption, including the retrieval date and source.
Model alternatives
Create separate scenarios when a plausible classification difference affects the award.
Escalate the open question
Assign classification confirmation before the purchase or import decision that depends on it.
The output should support a decision
A provisional duty scenario with product facts, candidate classification, source date and review owner.
Questions the output should answer
- Whether duty uncertainty changes supplier selection
- Whether a classification review is needed now
- Which landed-cost conclusion is robust across plausible scenarios
Check the failure points
- Choosing a code from a supplier invoice alone
- Omitting additional duty programs
- Using retail price as customs value
- Removing the provisional label from an unreviewed assumption