A few days ago, I posed a question:

When it comes to HTS classification, what additional training or education would the international trade community most benefit from?

It’s a question that’s been on my mind a lot lately as I prepare to step into a new role. I’ve wondered…

• Is there an area of classification that is lacking guidance or direction?
• Is there a topic that doesn’t receive enough education?
• Is there a section or chapter of the HTS that has been overlooked but screams out for attention?
• Are there areas where the international trade community could simply use a refresher?

Personally, I love a good classification puzzle… there’s nothing like the exhilaration of finding that one specific detail that pulls the entire picture into focus (and that is, in part, why yours truly is a classification nerd). Having spent the last four years of my career classifying aerospace technology that often was not even out of the research and development stage, I’ve certainly had my share of those moments!

Although not a complete shock, the answers I received on LinkedIn, Twitter, email, instant messaging and other forums surprised me a little. I expected more diversity and complexity in how others would reply. Instead, one common thread ran through every message:

Let’s get back to the basics.

It turns out what people in this industry want most, be it for themselves or for the community in general, is a focus on the fundamentals of classification. And in retrospect, it actually does make sense.

I recently had the honor of participating in an educational conference panel discussion on the topic of classification. I asked the audience how many of them determine classifications for their company, and about half of the room raised their hands. I then asked how many of them read the chapter and section notes every time they are determining a classification. Only a few remained up as I watched most of the hands drop.

To those who had their hands still raised, I said that I applaud them for doing so. To those who dropped their hands, I asked them to share their secrets of memorization because the only reason I could think of that someone would not do so is simply they must have those portions of the HTS completely committed to memory. Otherwise, how could they be sure they accounted for all possible inclusions, exclusions, notes, definitions or instructions pertaining to the items classified therein?

In the weeks and months ahead, I’ll be doing a deep dive into the basics of classification and sharing some tips and tricks along the way. And if there is a specific area where I can help you or your company, reach out – I am sure that the team I am joining later this month has a solution for you!