Question 1

What is an FTA checker?

Accepted Answer

The FTA checker tells you whether your product qualifies for reduced or zero duties under a US free trade agreement. Enter your HTS code and origin country to see the preferential rate vs. the standard MFN rate.

Question 2

Which free trade agreements does the US have?

Accepted Answer

The US has 14 FTAs covering 20 countries: USMCA (Mexico, Canada), CAFTA-DR (Central America, Dominican Republic), KORUS (South Korea), Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore.

Question 3

How much can I save with an FTA?

Accepted Answer

Savings vary by product. Many goods enter duty-free under FTAs. For example, auto parts from Mexico under USMCA can enter at 0% vs. 2.5% MFN. For goods facing Section 301 surcharges (China), switching to an FTA-eligible country can save 25% or more.

Question 4

What are the rules of origin?

Accepted Answer

Rules of origin determine whether a product genuinely originates from an FTA partner. They typically require a certain percentage of value to be added in the FTA country, or that the product undergo a specific tariff shift during manufacturing. Each FTA has its own rules.

Question 5

Do FTAs override Section 301 or 232 tariffs?

Accepted Answer

Not directly. Section 301 (China) and 232 (steel/aluminum) tariffs apply based on country of origin regardless of FTAs. However, some 232 exclusions exist for specific FTA partners. The FTA checker shows which special tariffs apply.

Question 6

What is an HTS code?

Accepted Answer

An HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code is a 10-digit classification number used by US Customs and Border Protection to identify imported goods and determine applicable duty rates. The first 6 digits are standardized internationally under the Harmonized System, while the last 4 digits are specific to the United States.

Question 7

How are US tariff rates determined?

Accepted Answer

US tariff rates are set by Congress and administered by CBP. The base MFN (Most Favored Nation) rate applies to most trading partners. Additional special tariffs — such as Section 301 (China), Section 232 (steel and aluminum), and Section 122 (temporary global surcharge, 10–15% per Proclamation 11012) — may apply on top of the base rate. Note that Section 122 does not stack with Section 232: goods already subject to §232 actions are excluded from the §122 surcharge.

Question 8

What are Section 301 tariffs?

Accepted Answer

Section 301 tariffs are additional duties imposed on Chinese goods under the Trade Act of 1974, in response to unfair trade practices. They range from 7.5% to 100% depending on the product category and apply on top of the standard MFN duty rate. Four separate lists cover approximately $370 billion of annual imports.

Question 9

How do I find the tariff rate for my product?

Accepted Answer

Use the search bar on this site to describe your product in plain English — our AI identifies the correct HTS code and shows all applicable duty rates including base MFN, Section 301, Section 232, and any other overlays. You can also browse by HTS chapter or product category.

Question 10

What is a landed cost?

Accepted Answer

Landed cost is the total cost of importing a product to its destination, including the product price (FOB), ocean or air freight, insurance, US Customs duties, Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF), and any other applicable surcharges. It represents the true cost of an imported good before domestic distribution.

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