A Tariff directly relates to the harmonized tariff system codes (HTS) which imported/exported products are classified under. HTS codes let U.S. Customs know what tariff rate should be charged to specific products; this mainly applies to imports over exports.

Let’s say I’m an importer of “knotted carpets and textile floor coverings.” I classify my product under the HTS code 5701.10.9000, and the corresponding U.S. tariff would be the taxed percentage, which in this case is 4.5%.

A Duty is the actual amount of money paid on the imported/exported product. Although, the actual tax reference is the same thing, the import duty paid on “knotted carpets and textile floor coverings” depends on the quantity imported.

For example, if I imported $200,000 worth of the product to the United States last month, my duties would then be $9,000.

Most professionals use the terms interchangeably, which is correct, but in certain cases one is more appropriate than the other.

Zepol is thrilled to announce the addition of emailed reporting to our newest trade data tool, ComplianceIQ™. Users are able to search across multiple import-compliance data sets within one interface, saving the time of digging for critical compliance data.

ComplianceIQ™ users can now schedule emailed reports for any saved search, and receive alerts when new information is available for binding rulings, antidumping or countervailing investigations, tariffs, and more. Emailed reports can also be scheduled for specific time periods, demonstrating due diligence and reducing the risk of steep government penalties.

To see how users can easily schedule reports, please view the video below:


If you have any questions regarding this enhancement, please contact us.

As a member and sponsor of the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA), Zepol will be exhibiting at the upcoming annual conference from March 18-22 in Atlanta. The conference is an opportunity for trade-compliance professionals to learn more about the latest topics in the industry while networking with others. Stop by booth 119 to meet the Zepol team and view demonstrations of our products!

Zepol is excited to introduce our newest product, ComplianceMonitor™, to our current array of trade intelligence products including TradeIQ™ and TradeView™. ComplianceMonitor™ allows users to proactively stay up-to-date on important compliance related information and changes. Along with sending 'Updated Reports' when there is a change, ComplianceMonitor™ also allows users to receive e-mailed 'Historical Reports', search by HTS Codes, see U.S. Customs rulings, quotas, tariffs, antidumping and countervailing actions, and more. ComplianceMonitor™ helps users avoid steep tariff and duty penalties and make timely business decisions by giving them access to and updating them on six U.S. government compliance sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau import trade statistics
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rulings
• Antidumping (ADD) and countervailing (CVD) investigations from CBP
• ADD and CVD cases from the International Trade Administration (ITA)
• Tariff rate quota statuses from CBP
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule and tariff data from the International Trade Commission (ITC)

"Zepol's pursuit to continuously enhance our trade intelligence tools is a testament to our ongoing commitment to our customers," stated Paul Rasmussen, CEO & President of Zepol Corporation, "With the upcoming 2012 changes in HS codes and the increasing penalties companies are facing, ComplianceMonitor™ is there to keep users informed and on task while saving them time." 

With our products, TradeIQ™, TradeView™, and ComplianceMonitor™, subscribers have access to vital trade data, developed from U.S. government sources that offer insights into the global supply chain. Please click on the following links if you would like to see a sample 'Historical Report' or sign up for a Free Trial. To learn more about ComplianceMonitor™, please visit our website at www.zepol.com.