Frequently asked questions.

An HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code is a 4-to-10 digit classification number assigned to every product imported into the United States. It determines the duty rate you pay. For example, HTS 8471.30.01.00 covers portable computers. Learn how to find your HTS code →

Use our free HTS code lookup tool to search by product description or code number. You can also check the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule directly, or ask your customs broker for a binding ruling.

It depends on the product. Most Chinese imports face a base MFN rate plus Section 301 surcharges (7.5%–100%), Section 122 global baseline (10%), and potentially Section 232 metals tariffs (50%). Total effective rates from China range from about 10% to over 110%. See full China tariff breakdown →

Section 301 tariffs are punitive duties imposed on Chinese imports in response to trade practices. Rates vary by product list — most are 25%, but some categories like EVs (100%), semiconductors (50%), and pharmaceuticals (100%) have higher rates. Read the full Section 301 guide →

Section 232 tariffs are imposed on imports that threaten national security. Currently applies to steel and aluminum at 50%, and copper at 50% (added April 2026). These apply to ALL countries including USMCA partners. Read the Section 232 guide →

Section 122 is the 10% global baseline tariff imposed in February 2026 after the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA-based tariffs. It applies to imports from all countries except USMCA-qualifying goods from Mexico and Canada. Read the Section 122 guide →

The $800 de minimis duty-free threshold was eliminated in 2026 for all countries. Previously, shipments valued under $800 entered duty-free. Now all imports are subject to duties regardless of value. Read the de minimis guide →

Using the wrong HTS code can result in penalties from CBP, back-duties, and even seizure of goods. Penalties range from 20% to 40% of the duty owed for negligence, up to 4x the duty for fraud. Read about penalties and how to protect yourself →

Tariff exclusions temporarily exempt specific products from surcharges like Section 301. You must check the USTR exclusion list, verify your HTS code qualifies, and note the exclusion on your entry. Some Section 301 exclusions are active through November 2026. Learn how to claim exclusions →

In practice, they mean the same thing — a tax on imported goods collected by customs. “Tariff” is more commonly used in policy contexts, while “duty” refers to the amount actually owed. “Customs duty” and “import tariff” are interchangeable. Read the full breakdown →

TariffDesk monitors the Federal Register and USITC for tariff changes every 15 minutes. When a change affects one of your watched HTS codes, we send you an email alert with the old rate, new rate, dollar impact, and effective date — before it hits your next shipment.

We monitor the Federal Register (USTR, CBP, and Commerce Department notices), USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule updates, and CBP CSMS messages. Changes are detected via automated scanning and AI-powered extraction.

We scan government sources every 15 minutes. Federal Register changes go through a brief admin review for accuracy. USITC data changes are detected automatically via exact diff matching. Most alerts are delivered within hours of publication.

You get a weekly digest email every Monday confirming your rates are stable — so you never have to wonder if the system is working. Silence is valuable information.

Yes, completely free. No signup, no email, no paywall. Try it now →

Most tariff tools show you static rate data. TariffDesk monitors for changes in real-time and alerts you proactively. We don't just show you what the rate is — we tell you when it changes and how much it costs you, before it hits your invoice.

Add your clients and their HTS codes to a single dashboard. You see all clients' codes in one consolidated view. Weekly branded reports are sent automatically to each client, and you get instant alerts when any client's codes are affected by a rate change.

The Starter plan supports up to 10 clients, Professional up to 50, and Business offers unlimited clients. Each client can have their own set of HTS codes.

Yes — on Professional and Business plans, weekly reports and alerts are sent under your brokerage's branding. Your clients see your company name, not TariffDesk.

Clients receive branded weekly email reports showing their HTS codes, current rates, any changes detected that week with dollar impact calculations, and source documentation from the Federal Register.

14 days. You get full access to all features during the trial. Cancel anytime before the trial ends and you won't be charged.

Starter is $29/month (10 HTS codes), Professional is $79/month (50 codes + SMS alerts), and Business is $149/month (unlimited codes + team members + API). See full pricing →

There's no free monitoring plan, but the HTS code lookup tool is completely free with no signup required. For monitoring and alerts, all plans include a 14-day free trial.

All plans include real-time tariff monitoring, email alerts, weekly digests, and dollar impact estimates. Professional adds SMS alerts, priority delivery, historical lookups, and CSV export. Business adds team members, API access, and custom alert rules.

Yes. Cancel from your Settings page or Stripe billing portal. Changes take effect immediately. No long-term contracts.

Not yet — we're launching with monthly billing only. Annual billing with a discount is planned for later this year.