ITC offers new HTS online reference
The U.S. International Trade Commission has launched its new HTS Online Reference Tool, a comprehensive Web site for users of the country’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Congress mandates ITC to maintain the HTS, which provides the tariff rates and statistical categories for all merchandise imported into the United States. The tariff schedule is used by importers, customs brokers, carriers, the federal government and public.
The HTS Online Reference Tool also features links to:
' Customs and Broker Protection classification rulings, allowing users to move directly from a specific HTS item to the Customs Ruling Online Search System (CROSS) for the most current determinations on product classifications for HTS items.
' HTS Chapter 99, enabling users to move from an HTS item in chapters 1-97 to the temporary, seasonal or special situation tariff that applies to that item listed in chapter 99.
' Footnotes, allowing users to move from the footnote number in the text directly to the footnote itself.
In addition, the ITC noted that users can now search the HTS by word, word combinations or HTS number, and they can use common terminology to do so.
“The HTS Online Reference Tool includes an expanded thesaurus that will help users search the HTS and locate an item even if they don’t know the precise classification language used in the document,” the ITC said. “For example, users will be able to search the word 'car,' which does not exist in the HTS, and be directed automatically to the HTS provisions covering 'motor vehicles.' '
The ITC said the system is built on XML software and is still evolving. “Future enhancements include electronic access to the complete legal text and notes of the HTS and the ability for the ITC and CBP to convert HTS to formats necessary for computerized operations at the borders and elsewhere,” the agency said.
Access to the ITC’s HTS Online Reference Tool can be found here.