Trade31The AI Operating System for Global Trade
AIKnowledgeIntelligenceSuppliersProductsToolsPricing
Log inSign upStart Free
⌘K
Home/Trade Knowledge/Customs

Customs

Structured trade knowledge covering terms, processes, regulations, and practice.

What is Customs Valuation?

This guide explains What is Customs Valuation? — concepts, use cases, workflow, mistakes, and best practices for import/export teams.

Customs Examination Types

This guide explains Customs Examination Types — concepts, use cases, workflow, mistakes, and best practices for import/export teams.

What is Tariff Classification?

This guide explains What is Tariff Classification? — concepts, use cases, workflow, mistakes, and best practices for import/export teams.

What is a Customs Audit?

This guide explains What is a Customs Audit? — concepts, use cases, workflow, mistakes, and best practices for import/export teams.

Preferential Tariff Basics

This guide explains Preferential Tariff Basics — concepts, use cases, workflow, mistakes, and best practices for import/export teams.

What are Rules of Origin?

This guide explains What are Rules of Origin? — concepts, use cases, workflow, mistakes, and best practices for import/export teams.

Customs Penalties Basics

This guide explains Customs Penalties Basics — concepts, use cases, workflow, mistakes, and best practices for import/export teams.

Temporary Import Basics

This guide explains Temporary Import Basics — concepts, use cases, workflow, mistakes, and best practices for import/export teams.

What is Export Duty? When Outbound Shipments Carry Tax Cost

Export duty is a tax on goods leaving a country. Most manufactured exports are duty-free, but raw materials and restricted goods may still face export tariffs or quotas.

What is Customs Clearance? The Gate Between Goods and Legal Entry

Customs clearance is the filing, examination, duty payment, and release process that lets goods legally enter or leave a customs territory.

What is Anti-Dumping Duty? Extra Tariffs That Hit Specific Origins

Anti-dumping duties are extra tariffs on goods found to be dumped (sold below normal value) and injuring domestic industry. They can dwarf MFN duty rates.

What is a Customs Broker? Your Licensed Clearance Partner

A customs broker files entries, advises classification/valuation, and steers exams. They do not replace your responsibility for accurate commercial data.

How Import Duty Is Calculated: HS, Value, Origin, and Special Duties

Import duty usually starts from customs value × duty rate by HS code and origin, then may add VAT, anti-dumping, or other special duties. Rebuild the math whenever classification or Incoterms change.

What is a Tariff? The Rate Schedule That Prices Market Access

A tariff is the duty rate schedule a country applies to imported (and sometimes exported) goods by classification and origin. Read the line with HS, preference programs, and special duties together.

What is an Export License? Permission Gates Before Cargo Can Leave

An export license is official authorization to export controlled goods, destinations, or end uses. Identify license needs at RFQ — shipping first and asking later creates seizures and penalties.

What is Import VAT? The Tax Layer After Duty That Hits Cash Flow

Import VAT (or GST) is value-added tax assessed on imported goods, usually on a base that includes customs value plus duty. Model it in landed cost even when recoverable later.

What is Duty Drawback? Recover Import Duty When Goods Are Re-Exported

Duty drawback schemes refund or reduce import duties when goods (or qualifying derivatives) are re-exported under strict evidence rules. Capture documents at import — you cannot rebuild them after the fact.

Customs Inspection Basics: Why Boxes Get Opened and How to Prepare

Customs inspection is physical or documentary examination of shipments to verify declaration accuracy. Reduce risk with consistent docs, correct HS, and clean packing — and budget time when exams happen.

What is Countervailing Duty? Extra Tariffs Against Subsidized Imports

Countervailing duties (CVD) are additional tariffs imposed to offset foreign subsidies that injure domestic industry. Check CVD orders by HS and origin before you lock a landed-cost quote.

Other categories

Trade Basics

35 articles

Incoterms

27 articles

Shipping

29 articles

Payment

22 articles

Trade Documents

16 articles

HS Code

11 articles

Countries

10 articles

Logistics

11 articles

Import & Export

10 articles

Business English

18 articles

International Marketing

10 articles

Trade Compliance

17 articles

Trade Risk

11 articles

Trade Finance

2 articles

Packaging

1 articles

Trade31

The AI Operating System for Global Trade.

Platform

AIKnowledgeIntelligenceSuppliersProductsTools

Resources

BlogHelpAPIContact

Company

AboutPrivacyTerms / ContactPricing

© 2026 Trade31