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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 this tool, you will need a Harmonized Code (HS) code for your product. The United States Census Bureau Foreign Trade Data offers a product classification Schedule B Search Engine. To find your product’s 10 digit Schedule B number which can be converted into the Harmonized Code by using the first six digits of the Schedule B code, visit Schedule B Search Engine. 

Remember to start your search with typing in only six digits number (or fewer) of your product’s code as the U.S. codes tend to overlap (are harmonized) internationally up to first six digits. The “tariff text” box in the Customs Info Database may also be helpful in locating an HS code. You may also work with your broker/Freight forwarder to help you with identifying your product HS code or you may contact the destination country customs (in this case Mexican Customs) to seek formal customs ruling.

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.