Why One HS Code Decides Your Entire Duty Bill
The Code Behind Every Duty Calculation
Every import duty outcome starts in the same place: the HS code. Customs authorities use this code to set the duty rate, check for a preferential rate under a trade agreement, decide if anti-dumping measures apply, and confirm whether a shipment fits inside a tariff rate quota. Get the code wrong and every one of those outcomes shifts with it.
Anti-Dumping and Preferential Rates Explained
Anti-dumping duty sits on top of standard customs duty when a trade remedy measure is in force, and it can add 30 to 80 percent or more to the landed cost of affected goods. Preferential rates work the opposite way. If goods qualify under a UK free trade agreement and meet the product-specific rules of origin, the rate can drop to zero. This detailed import duty rates guide breaks down both scenarios by product category.
Getting classification right the first time protects margins and avoids retrospective duty demands from HMRC.
If you want to see how automated classification catches these risks before goods ship, you can watch a demo.
