Classifying Your Goods Using the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (US HTS)

Description

Correctly classifying products under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is one of the most important and often misunderstood responsibilities in international trade. Classification impacts duty rates, admissibility, free trade agreement eligibility, partner government agency requirements, and overall compliance risk.

This practical session is designed to help importers, exporters, compliance professionals, purchasing teams, and operational staff better understand how the U.S. HTS is structured and how to approach product classification with greater confidence.

Topics may include:

• Understanding the structure of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule
• How HTS codes impact duty rates, tariffs, and trade programs
• Applying the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs)
• Reading section notes, chapter notes, and explanatory language
• Common classification challenges and risk areas
• Product descriptions, specifications, and supporting documentation
• Determining essential character and product composition
• Classification considerations for parts, sets, and unfinished goods
• Using CROSS rulings and other research resources
• Classification best practices for audit readiness and internal processes
• Practical exercises and real-world classification examples

This session will combine foundational concepts with practical examples to help attendees better understand how classification decisions are made, where common mistakes occur, and how to build more reliable internal classification processes.

Instructor: Kelly Raia, Chief Operating Officer, Blue Tiger

Kelly is the Chief Operating Officer of Blue Tiger International based in East Moriches. Kelly has been involved in the international supply chain for over 35 years.

Kelly is a licensed customhouse broker and trade compliance specialist working for numerous companies assisting them in managing their import and export trade activities and acting as their outsourced Trade Compliance Manager.

Kelly is a specialist in both import and export compliance, logistics, supply chain & FTZ Management. Many companies depend upon her expertise in facilitating their export sales or import purchasing.

Kelly is a frequent lecturer on compliance and logistics and is a published author. Kelly earned her Bachelor's in Organizational Management and Master of Business Administration Degrees from St. Joseph's University.

Training is a major component of Kelly's services in supply chain management operations.

She can be reached at kellyraia@bluetigerintl.com or 516-236-5716