I’m very much a “dot-my-i’s-and-cross-my-t’s” kind of person, and that’s been an extremely useful tool in harnessing the anal retentive powers that make me the HTS Nerd.

But I admit – this was not always the case. Before I received that fateful paper-cut from a radioactive HTSUS and became a classification superhero, I often allowed myself to fall victim to those Classification Rules Whose Names Should Never Be Spoken. You know the ones – though unwritten, they are perhaps the most widely used rules in the industry.

Although they seem logical to most, these nefarious rules have the uncanny ability to cause major compliance problems and should never, ever be used under any circumstance. They are often used by inexperienced classifiers who simply don’t know better. But be warned, my faithful HTS Cadets… Ignorantia juris non excusat – or simply, ignorance of the law excuses not.

For your safety, here are the Bizarro Rules of Interpretation (BRI) to be avoided at all costs:

BRI 1: 

If you wish to obtain a more favorable duty rate, simply change the name of the product you are importing.

This Bizarro rule is usually pushed onto the unsuspecting or inexperienced classifier by an aggressive sales or marketing department looking to find a way to cut costs on their import. Changing the name of a product doesn’t change either its essential character or what is actually is. The danger in attempting to use this BRI is that it goes beyond simple negligence into the realm of blatant fraud, as it is a deliberate attempt to avoid the proper payment of duty to CBP.

BRI 2a: 

Whenever a commodity is potentially classifiable within two or more headings, the tariff classification with the highest duty rate applies.

I hate to admit this, but I often fell prey to this concept in my early years when I was but a naive HTS cadet. Many importers mistakenly believe that by paying more duty that they will gain compliance points with CBP, but always remember – a wrong classification is a wrong classification, no matter the duty rate.

 

BRI 2b: 

Whenever a commodity is potentially classifiable within two or more headings, the tariff classification with the lowest duty rate applies.

The inverse to BRI 2a, this rule is most frequently used by importers who are naturally inclined to look for the lowest duty rate possible. The rate of duty should never be a consideration when trying to determine the correct classification of a product, and so experienced classifiers have learned to ignore the duty rate so as not to cloud the correct application of the GRIs and reasonable care to the classification process.

 

BRI 3a: 

If a classification for similar product exists within an HTS database, the importer’s ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system should always assign the same HTS code.

Although this superficially appears to be a reasonable solution, it relies on the erroneous assumption that the classification process is completely linear. It ignores the fact that even minor differences between products can result in completely different classifications. While most automated systems can certainly assist, they should only be used as a starting point, as the classification process is always subject to some level of interpretation that automation cannot provide.

 

BRI 3b: 

A classification will always be considered correct if it is never challenged by Customs and is used over a long period of time. Also known as the “We’ve always done it this way” rule.

Didn’t your mother ever teach you that two wrongs don’t make a right? Just because CBP has not challenged your classification, it doesn’t mean it is correct. It also doesn’t mean that CBP is not already aware of your incorrect classification as a larger case for non-compliance is being built.

 

BRI 3c: 

The wisdom of an importer’s broker should never be questioned when it comes to assigning classification to a product. Also known as the “The Supplier Made Me Do It” rule.

Even when a classification is assigned by your broker, the law holds the importer responsible for exercising reasonable care in both assigning classification and your broker management. The importer should always monitor the accuracy of the broker’s work, even if there is a documented classification process in place.

 

BRI 4: 

Whenever a commodity is subject to two or more headings, write all potential headings on slips of paper. Tape the slips of paper to a wall. Load a spitball into a straw and blow toward the slips of paper. The one to which the spitball sticks will be the correct classification. Also known as the Dartboard Rule or the Russian Roulette Rule.

Ready, aim, fire… the law of averages tell us you’re bound to get it right at least some of the time. But some of the time is by no means a demonstration of compliance, because just like a real life game of Russian Roulette, getting the wrong number can bring serious consequences. 

 

BRI 5a/b: 

CBP is not concerned about the accuracy of a complete 10-digit classification. It’s enough to at least classify in the correct four-digit heading (BRI 5a) or six digit subheading (BRI 5b).

Pardon the language of the HTS Nerd, but that is sheer poppycock! There is a logic and reasoning behind the government’s 10-digit system. Although classification to the eight-digit level will ensure the proper duty rate, statistical reporting requirements are determined at the ten-digit level. Although the distinction may seem trivial to most, it isn’t to regulators.

 

BRI 6: 

Whenever two individuals disagree over an HTS classification, the one with the biggest ego wins. If a bigger ego cannot be determined, other factors which may be considered are (in order of preference) the loudest voice, the higher ranking, or the greatest financial investment.

Need more be said?

Make no mistake, my HTS Cadets… the Bizarro Rules of Interpretation have no place when considering the real General Rules of Interpretation. Each of the Bizarro Rules of Interpretation carry their own risks that ultimately result in bad classifications when they stray from the actual GRIs. Simply stick to legal guidelines provided by the GRIs – they will not steer you wrong.

But in the event that you find yourself stuck with a particularly difficult classification, reach out to the HTS Nerd or other classification professional(s) for guidance before you turn to the BRIs and send yourself down a risky path.