Our Methodology

Data Source

All tariff data comes from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the official tariff schedule governing all imports into the United States. The HTS is published and maintained by the USITC under authority delegated from the International Trade Commission Act. We use the HTS 2026 Basic Edition, which classifies every imported product into approximately 13,000 or more individual tariff lines organized into 22 sections and 96 chapters following the international Harmonized System nomenclature.

Data Processing

We parse the USITC HTS dataset, which is distributed as a structured dataset containing every tariff line classified under the international Harmonized System. For each entry, we preserve:

• HTS code: The 8-10 digit classification code.
• Product description: The official USITC description of covered goods.
• General (MFN) rate: The standard tariff for imports from most countries (Column 1 General).
• Special rates: Preferential rates under free trade agreements (USMCA, GSP, etc.).
• Column 2 rate: Higher rates for non-market economy countries not granted Normal Trade Relations.
• Unit of quantity: How items are measured for customs purposes.

Our search index covers tariff descriptions, HS codes, and product keywords so importers can quickly locate the applicable duty rate without navigating the full regulatory document.

Tariff Rate Types

Duty rates can be expressed in several forms:

• Ad valorem: Percentage of customs value (e.g., "5%").
• Specific: Dollar amount per unit (e.g., "$1.50/kg").
• Compound: Combination of ad valorem and specific (e.g., "5% + $0.50/kg").
• Free: No duty applies.

Special program codes in parentheses (e.g., "Free (A, AU, BH, CL...)") indicate the free trade agreement or preference program under which the preferential rate applies.

Data Vintage

PlainTariff uses the HTS 2026 Basic Edition. The HTS is revised annually by the USITC, and additional modifications may occur throughout the year via presidential proclamations or Congressional action. Always verify current rates at hts.usitc.gov before making import decisions.

Processing Pipeline

We download the USITC HTS structured dataset and process it through our ETL pipeline to build a searchable database:

• Parse the HTS hierarchy from section level (22 sections) through chapter level (96 chapters) down to individual 8-10 digit tariff lines
• Extract general (MFN) duty rates, special preferential rates, and Column 2 rates for each tariff line
• Parse rate expressions into their components (ad valorem percentage, specific dollar amounts, compound rates) for structured display
• Build a full-text search index over product descriptions, HTS codes, and common product keywords to enable fast lookup
• Organize tariff lines into browsable section and chapter hierarchies matching the official HTS structure

No tariff data is modified or editorially interpreted. Rate expressions, product descriptions, and HTS codes are presented exactly as published by the USITC.

Limitations

• Tariff rates can change frequently due to trade policy actions, Section 232 and 301 tariffs, and executive orders. Our database may not reflect the most recent changes.
• Special tariff-rate quotas, anti-dumping duties, and countervailing duties are not shown.
• Classification of specific products requires customs expertise — this site provides a search tool, not a binding tariff ruling.
• Section 301 tariffs (on specific Chinese goods) and Section 232 tariffs (on steel and aluminum) are imposed in addition to the general HTS rates and are not reflected in the base rates shown.
• For definitive tariff classification, importers should consult U.S. Customs and Border Protection or request a binding ruling.

Not Affiliated

PlainTariff is not affiliated with the USITC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or the U.S. government. This site is provided for informational purposes only.