Global Sourcing & HTS Codes Study Guide

Fundamentals of Global Sourcing Strategy

Core principles of international procurement, supplier selection criteria, and total landed cost analysis for strategic sourcing decisions.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule Structure and Navigation

Understanding HTS hierarchy, General Rules of Interpretation, and systematic navigation through sections, chapters, and subheadings.

HTS Classification Methodology and GRI Application

Applying the six General Rules of Interpretation sequentially to accurately classify merchandise using CBP guidelines.

Country of Origin Determination and Marking Requirements

Substantial transformation rules, USCBP marking requirements, and origin implications for duty rates and trade agreements.

Customs Valuation Methods and Transaction Value

WTO valuation agreement, transaction value calculations, assists, royalties, and alternative valuation methods per 19 CFR.

Duty Calculation and Special Tariff Programs

Computing duties using ad valorem, specific, and compound rates; applying GSP, Section 301, and antidumping duties.

Free Trade Agreements and Preferential Tariff Treatment

USMCA, CAFTA-DR, and bilateral FTA rules of origin, certification requirements, and tariff preference claims.

Import Documentation and Entry Procedures

Commercial invoices, bills of lading, entry summaries, ACE filing requirements, and customs broker coordination essentials.

Supplier Compliance and Vendor Management Programs

Supplier auditing, compliance agreements, C-TPAT requirements, and managing foreign supplier regulatory obligations effectively.

Export Controls and Denied Party Screening

EAR and ITAR fundamentals, ECCN classification, denied party list screening, and export licensing requirements overview.

Trade Remedy Laws and Enforcement Actions

Antidumping, countervailing duties, Section 232/301 tariffs, penalty mitigation, and prior disclosure procedures with CBP.

Trade Compliance Program Development and Auditing

Building internal compliance programs, post-entry audits, binding rulings, recordkeeping requirements, and continuous improvement strategies.