Prepare a US HTS classification file for goods from Mexico

The US entry describes the article that crosses into the United States. If a casting entered Mexico and a finished machined housing leaves it, record both conditions in the shared part file. The US classifier needs the housing’s actual construction and function, as well as the route.

Start with the article and the legal notes

Use the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule to research candidate headings, then read the General Rules of Interpretation and relevant section, chapter and subheading notes. A supplier’s code or a search-tool result is a starting point to verify against those rules.

A familiar part name can conceal a classification issue. For a bracket, establish material, manufacturing method, function and whether its design makes it suitable solely or principally for a particular application. Ask the classifier which fact distinguishes the competing headings.

Give the classifier a usable record

Keep technical files in the agreed secure channel. The manufacturing RFQ worksheet can carry a non-confidential revision reference and the unresolved classification question.

Keep US and Mexican results alongside each other

Both schedules use the international HS structure through six digits. National subdivisions and reporting details require separate review, including the condition at import. Record the US reporting number and the Mexican eight-digit fraction plus two-digit NICO in separate fields. Confirm any different six-digit treatment with the responsible professionals.

The TIGIE/NICO guide owns the Mexican tariff structure, unit-of-measure and inventory-control implications. This page owns the US entry classification file.

Apply the version for the transaction

Retain the HTS release used, proposed or actual entry date, tariff description and applicable notes. If a shipment moves across an amendment’s effective date, ask whether the classification or duty treatment needs updating. Use the USITC archive to retrieve the relevant release instead of overwriting the old basis.

After the classification review, separately check Chapter 99 measures and any exclusions, product descriptions or effective dates. Origin, USMCA preference, Section 301 and AD/CVD may require additional facts. Follow the Section 301 review steps and the origin-purpose guide as needed.

Close the handoff

Before release, ask the importer or broker to confirm the selected provision, entry condition, facts relied upon and pending questions. Store the approved revision in the part master and reopen it when engineering changes material or function. Where a material ambiguity remains, use the CBP ruling research process to decide whether a prospective request is appropriate.