US Tariff & Trade Compliance Guides 2026 | USTradeStack

Q: What is the HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) and how do I use it?

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is the official US tariff classification system maintained by the USITC. Every imported product must be classified using a 10-digit HTS code. The first 6 digits are internationally harmonized under the World Customs Organization (WCO) system; the last 4 digits are US-specific. To find your HTS code: describe your product in technical terms, consult the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs), look up the official USITC HTS at hts.usitc.gov, or use an AI classifier like USTradeStack.

Q: What is the difference between Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs?

Section 301 tariffs are trade remedy tariffs imposed on Chinese goods under the Trade Act of 1974, authorized by USTR investigations into China's unfair trade practices. Rates: 7.5%–25% on most Chinese goods, 50% on solar products. Section 232 tariffs are national security tariffs under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, applied to steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) imports from most countries including Canada, Mexico, and EU members (with TRQ exceptions). Both stack on top of regular MFN duty rates.

Q: How do I calculate the total duty rate for an imported product?

Total import duty = MFN base rate + Section 301 rate (China only) + Section 232 rate (steel/aluminum) + antidumping/CVD rate (if applicable). Add MPF (0.3464% of customs value, min $32.71, max $634.62 per entry) and HMF (0.125%, ocean shipments only). Example: China electronics with 3.9% MFN + 25% Section 301 + 0.3464% MPF = ~29.25% effective rate on customs value. Use USTradeStack's landed cost calculator to automate this for any product and origin.

Q: What trade resources are available for US importers?

Key resources for US importers: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (hts.usitc.gov), CBP Trade (cbp.gov/trade), USTR Section 301 actions (ustr.gov), Commerce AD/CVD database (enforcement.trade.gov), Federal Register tariff notices (federalregister.gov), OFAC sanctions lists (ofac.treasury.gov). USTradeStack consolidates these sources into AI-powered tools including HTS classifier, landed cost calculator, compliance checker, and supplier screener.

Resources for US Importers

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