How to Determine Tariffs on Imports

A tariff is a tax that the United States government puts on goods imported into the country and goods exported to other countries. When considering ordering products from abroad, it is important to know how much the tariff is, especially if importing goods for a business.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Determine the Harmonized System or Schedule B number for the product you wish to import. The number is used to identify imported and exported products in an international language that all custom officials can understand. The number can be found by searching an online database or by calling the Census Bureau at [phone].
2. Look at the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule. This can be viewed online for free. You can also see the schedule by purchasing a published schedule volume from the National Technical Information Services. Contact hem at [phone].
3. Find the right section of the schedule first. The sections are broken down into general categories such as animal products, mineral products and chemical products.
4. Locate the correct chapter for your imported product once the section is found. The chapters further specify product categories such as the section "Food" being broken down into chapters of meat and fish, sugars and cocoa.
5. Determine the rates of duty by looking at the chart once the right chapter is found. The product is listed on the left side of the chart, and the rates are listed on the right side of the chart. The chart gives a general price per $1000 and also special rates to certain places in the U.S.
6. Contact your local United States Customs Office for more clarification. If you're not sure which category your import fits into, they can help. Call them at [phone].