What is a CBP binding ruling?
A written decision from CBP on how a specific product is classified, valued or marked, which binds CBP at every US port for that transaction type.
Importers request rulings under 19 CFR Part 177, usually before the first shipment, by describing the product in detail (materials, function, photos, samples). Published rulings are searchable in CBP's CROSS database and are a good way to see how CBP has classified similar products.
A ruling covers the product described in it; a ruling issued to someone else is guidance, not a guarantee for your goods.
Sources
Related terms
- HTS codeA 10-digit number from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) that classifies an imported product and decides its duty rate.