ITC Releases New HTS Online Reference Tool
The International Trade Commission has released its new online Harmonized Tariff Schedule Online Reference Tool.
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The ITC previously posted the HTS Online Reference Tool for preview viewing. According to ITC sources, this new tool includes updates to the previously released prototype that was available for preview viewing. ITC sources add that the tool is up-to-date (includes Peru TPA duty rates, etc.).
(The ITC is mandated by Congress to maintain the HTS. The new HTS Online Reference Tool provides a web-based source for HTS-related information and offers current, accurate, and user-friendly electronic access to the 3,000-page HTS.)
Highlights of HTS Online Reference Tool benefits are as follows:
Provides Direct Links to CROSS Rulings, HTS Chapter 99, Footnotes
The HTS Online Reference Tool features direct links to:
- Classification rulings by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Users will be able to jump directly from a specific HTS item to the Customs Ruling Online Search System (CROSS) for determinations on product classification for that HTS item, and users will be able to access the most current ruling for any product.
- HTS Chapter 99, enabling users to move from an HTS item in Chapters 1-97 to the temporary, seasonal, or special situation tariff that applies for that item as listed in Chapter 99.
- Footnotes, allowing users to move from the footnote number in the text directly to the footnote itself
Users Can Search HTS by Word, Word Combinations, or HTS Number; Contains Thesaurus
In addition, users can now search the HTS by word, word combinations, or HTS number, and they can use common terminology to do so.
The HTS Online Reference Tool includes an expanding thesaurus that will help users search the HTS and locate an item even if they do not know the precise classification language used in the document. For example, users will be able to search the word "cars," which does not exist in the HTS, and be directed automatically to the HTS provisions covering "motor vehicles."
The thesaurus is in its early stages and will be enriched continually to reflect common terminology if a user searches on a term that is not currently included, that term will be added to the thesaurus. Over time, this regular updating will result in a rich, complex search engine that will make the HTS Online Reference Tool even more user-friendly.
Future Enhancements Include Electronic Access to HTS Legal Text and Notes
Built by the ITC using XML software, the system is still evolving. ITC states that future enhancements include electronic access to the complete legal text and notes of the HTS and the ability for the ITC and CBP to convert the HTS to formats necessary for computerized operations at the borders and elsewhere.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/01/08 news, 08120110, for BP summary announcing that the tool was available for preview viewing.)
Online Reference Tool available at http://hts.usitc.gov/
ITC press release announcing the release of the new tool (dated 02/26/09) http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2009/er0226gg1.htm