Shipcost Lab · Customs duties

Tariff engineering classification

For US, EU, and UK importers shipping in volume from China and other origins. Compare the duty implications of legally moving from the as-declared HS6 code to a documented candidate alternative, with the ruling that backs the move, and the audit-risk score that judges its defensibility.

Tariff engineering ledger

Inputs
Dataset snapshot2026-06-09Last verified2026-06-09

As-declared

HS6
200290
Label
Tomatoes, prepared / preserved (not vinegar)
Duty rate
12.5%
Duty amount
$12,500

Candidate classifications

  1. Add ≥ 3% by weight of non-tomato seasoning (basil, oregano, garlic) pre-import; market and label as 'sauce', not 'crushed tomato'.
    HS6210390
    LabelSauces & preparations (pizza / pasta sauce)
    Duty rate6.9%
    Duty saved$5,600
    Audit risk25/100
    Modification cost1 — drop-in (relabel / repack)
    Top-ranked candidate

How the ledger works

  1. Pick the as-declared HS6 (the code your supplier is filing under today) plus destination and origin country. PRC origin triggers the US Section 301 surcharge per the pinned 2026-06 snapshot.
  2. Set the goods value, quantity, and the modification-cost band you can absorb. The ledger ranks candidate HS6 codes whose duty rate is lower at the chosen destination.
  3. Each candidate carries a precedent citation (CBP CROSS ruling, BTI, or court case) plus an audit-risk score 0..100 driven by the strength of the substantial-transformation test.
  4. Negative-savings or risk-ceiling candidates are NOT hidden — they appear dimmed at the bottom, so the ledger doubles as a 'no opportunity at acceptable risk' sentinel for codes already optimal.

This is an estimate, not legal advice

Tariff engineering is the lawful structuring of a product so it classifies favourably; mis-classification is unlawful. Only a binding ruling from CBP / DG TAXUD / HMRC is authoritative. The catalogue here cites publicly documented engineering scenarios for orientation only. Substantial-transformation tests, GRI 2(a) interpretations, anti-circumvention regimes, and Section 301 list assignments change without notice. Verify against the official portal and consult a licensed customs broker before filing.