Import Compliance Services

There are a number of proven and legitimate ways to avoid or reduce the duties and trade remedy tariffs the U.S. imposes on imported goods.  we have extensive experience helping companies utilize these tools to lower costs 

Why Use Appalachian Customs service’s Tariff Classification Services

Cost savings: we have litigated landmark classification cases, obtained legislation expanding Chapter 98 benefits, and advised companies of all sizes on how to utilize available tools, helping them save hundreds of millions of dollars in duties and tariffs.

Domain expertise: We are the company licensed and empowered by U.S. Customs for nationwide customs entry. 

Certainty: We have deep technical knowledge of commodities and industry specific production processes. 

 *Tariff classification determines the duty you pay when importing goods into the U.S.  we can review the classification of your products to ensure accuracy and thus avoid potential delays and penalties. We can also analyze whether your goods may be classified more favorably or appropriately, which can result in substantial duty savings. 

*Tariff classification is a fundamental aspect of international trade, affecting everything from duty rates to trade restrictions. Effective classification can minimize costs as well as exposure to government scrutiny, while errors can result in fines and penalties and slow shipment deliveries.

our unsurpassed expertise in the complex rules of classification allows us to use every available tool to obtain favorable classifications while ensuring compliance.

Chapter 98 Provisions

Special provisions under Chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. may enable importers to partially or fully avoid duties and trade remedy tariffs on numerous types of products based on their use or condition. 

For example, products exported from and returned to the U.S., regardless of their country of origin, are exempt from import duties under heading 9801.

 In addition, the value of U.S. components in a product assembled abroad can be deducted from the total dutiable value of that good when it is imported into the U.S. under heading 9802.

 The customs value of an imported product has a direct impact on duties, taxes, and fees, so regular attention to how your company's transactions are structured, reported and appraised is vital. 

Transaction value – the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export – is the preferred method across most of the world and includes a variety of costs, including commissions, assists, royalties, and license fees. 

Other valuation methodologies can sometimes be used but may involve complicated calculations. An incorrect valuation, or choosing the wrong methodology, can result in increased duty liability and even fines and penalties for failure to exercise reasonable care. Alternatively, using a favorable valuation methodology or duty savings strategy can streamline operations and lower costs. 

The country of origin of a product can affect its duty rate and preference program eligibility as well as whether it’s subject to AD/CV duties, trade sanctions, or other import restrictions.

Failure to properly determine the country of origin, and to mark imported goods with that information, can result in penalties, loss of duty preferences, and detentions or seizures.

In today’s global supply chains, however, it can be difficult to determine the country in which origin is conferred. Many free trade agreements and preference programs require goods to be substantially transformed in a partner country to gain duty benefits, but when products undergo processing in or incorporate parts from multiple countries it can be a challenge to achieve and confirm compliance. And with origin rules that can vary by agreement or program, the origin of a product under one may not be the same for another.