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Customs Info Database Tariff Lookup Tool
Look up and find foreign tariffs for U.S. export shipments.
Understand the difference between Schedule B numbers and HS codes.

Customs Info Database User Guide

Click on Customs Info Database Tariff Lookup Tool for direct access for finding duties and taxes for shipments to over 160 markets:

Existing Users: 

  • Select the box titled “EXISTING TRADE.GOV USERS LOG IN HER TO LOG IN”;
  • Type in your registered email address to log in/access the Customs Info Database.

New Users:  Register with Customs Info Database (free). 

Click on Customs Info Database Tariff Lookup Tool: 

  • Select the box titled “NEW TRADE.GOV USERS CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.” 
  • Fill out a short registration form. 
  • Once you receive an email confirming that you are registered, click on the provided link to log in for the first time, using your email as the login address.

Watch this tutorial to learn how to find and calculate duties and taxes using the Customs Info Database Global Tariff Lookup Tool.

Download Video: Customs Info Database | Find Foreign Tariffs for U.S. Products
[28MB]

Products shipped internationally may be subject to duties (tariffs) and taxes (and other fees) that are assessed by foreign customs authorities. To estimate duties and taxes for more than 160 countries, you may use the Customs Info Database—a global tariff look-up tool offered by a third-party provider, Descartes. This tool is available for the users of trade.gov. There is no cost to register and use this database. 

(Please read this Disclaimer statement regarding third-party information providers.) 

How to locate an HS code?
 
To use the Customs Info Database, you will need the Harmonized System (HS) code for your product. An easy way to find your HS code is by using the US Census Bureau’s Schedule B Search Engine. The engine will ultimately guide you to a complete, 10-digit Schedule B number for your exports. However, the first 6 digits of this Schedule B number will be the HS code. You can find the Schedule B Search Engine at the Census Bureau’s Schedule B website. 

At the Schedule B search engine, you’ll also find an instructional video to help you classify your products. If after viewing the video you remain unsure of the best HS number for your product, you can call Schedule B Commodity Classification analysts at 1-800-549-0595, option 2. You can also email their office at eid.scheduleb@census.gov. 

At the Customs Info Database, start your search by typing in your product’s 6-digit HS code. You can also type in your product’s HS Heading, which is the first 4 digits of your HS code. The “Tariff Text” box in the Customs Info Database may also be helpful in locating an HS code. You may also want to seek help from your broker or freight forwarder to find your product’s HS code. Lastly, for additional assistance, you can also contact the customs office of the product’s destination country, to seek a formal customs ruling.

It’s helpful to have your product’s HS code. Your product’s HS code will be the same in any country that adheres to the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs), whether you are importing or exporting. With the GRIs, the WCO ensures that countries classify products in a uniform, harmonious fashion. However, the additional four digits following this will not be the same in all countries, even if your product is the same.

To learn more about HS codes, read an article on Understanding HS codes and Schedule B numbers.

When to use Customs Info and when to use FTA Tariff Tool (they are complimentary)  

Both tools provide valuable tariff information. Use each tool depending on your need—for an imminent transaction you may prefer to use Customs Info database as it will have the most up-to-date applied and preferential rates and most up-to-date HS codes. Because Customs Info also includes MFN rates, you will be able to compare both. CI will help you to determine quickly if it makes sense to take advantage of the tariff rate. For example, sometimes both rates (MFN and FTA) may be the same (zero) or the preferential rate may be higher (on rare occasions) when MFN rates got dropped for all shipments. CI also includes corresponding local taxes so you will be able to easily estimate landed costs (costs associated with exporting your product).

If you are shipping to one of the 20 countries that are our free trade agreements with the United States, you may want also want to consult the FTA Tariff Tool.