How Global Businesses Can Stay Ahead of Evolving Trade Policies, Tariffs, and Classifications
Accurate Harmonised System (HS) classification and tariff optimisation are more than compliance—they’re a competitive advantage. Here’s how to get it right.
Why Is Navigating Global Trade So Complicated Right Now?
If you’re a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) then you are managing international trade, you know the landscape has never been more unpredictable.
Geopolitical tension, evolving trade agreements, and shifting tariff regimes have turned what used to be a stable, rules-based system into a dynamic puzzle.
Today, International Chamber of Commerce members are asking:
- How do we stay compliant when trade rules are constantly changing?
- Are we paying more in duties than we need to?
- How can we standardise product classification across markets?
The answers to these questions are no longer optional—they’re essential for global competitiveness.
What’s Really at Stake When Classification and Tariff Strategies Fall Short?
When your goods are misclassified or you’re unaware of available tariff reductions, the fallout is real:
- Overpayment of duties and taxes
- Penalties from customs authorities
- Delayed shipments and clearance issues
- Missed opportunities from underused trade agreements
- Internal inefficiencies and costly manual rework
And let’s not forget reputational risk—non-compliance can earn you a red flag from global customs agencies.
The Role of HS Classification and Tariff Optimisation in Trade Success
At the core of effective global trade management are two foundational elements:
1. HS Classification Accuracy
The Harmonised System (HS) is the backbone of international trade. It determines duties, taxes, and even whether a product is subject to licensing or regulatory restrictions.
But with more than 5,000 classification commodity groups and regular updates from the World Customs Organisation (WCO), staying accurate is a constant challenge—especially when countries interpret codes differently.
Incorrect classification costs money, time, and trust.
2. Tariff Strategy and Optimisation
Even with accurate classification, businesses often overpay duties because they aren’t leveraging:
- Preferential trade agreements
- Duty deferral programs
- Tariff engineering opportunities
By proactively managing tariff strategies, businesses can uncover significant savings, improve margins, and avoid regulatory exposure.
What Are the Best Strategies to Manage These Complexities?
To succeed in today’s environment, businesses are moving away from manual, reactive approaches—and adopting structured, tech-enabled strategies:
- Centralise Classification Across the Organisation - Standardisation reduces risk. Create a central source of truth for product classification that can be used across departments and markets.
- Use AI and Automation to Reduce Human Error - AI-enabled platforms can suggest HS codes based on product attributes, technical specs, and even past rulings—dramatically improving speed and accuracy.
- Embed Compliance Early in the Product Lifecycle - Get trade compliance involved from the start of product development and sourcing, rather than treating it as an afterthought during shipping.
- Continuously Monitor Regulatory Changes - Ensure you’re working with the most up-to-date classification tables, tariff schedules, and trade agreements. This is nearly impossible without a dedicated platform, such as Descartes CustomsInfo™ .
How Leading Businesses Are Solving This with Descartes
Descartes is a trusted partner to global businesses seeking to bring structure, insight, and savings to their trade compliance operations.
Descartes Global Trade Intelligence Platform Offers:
- HS Classification Accuracy at Scale - Extensive trade content database enables correct and consistent product classification across all your SKUs and regions.
- Tariff Optimisation and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Eligibility - Easily identify opportunities for reduced duties using preferential trade programs and optimise your landed cost strategy.
- Real-Time Global Trade Content - Access up-to-date tariff schedules, rules of origin, duty rates, and customs rulings from over 170 countries—so you’re never caught off guard.
- Seamless Integration with ERP and Supply Chain Systems - Enable classification and compliance right where decisions are made—procurement, finance, shipping, and logistics.
- Complete Audit Trails and Compliance Reporting - Every classification decision is documented, always offering transparency and audit readiness.
What Does Success Look Like?
With the right strategy and tools in place, trade compliance shifts from a burden to a business enabler. Companies that get this right see:
- Lower landed costs and improved margins
- Faster customs clearance and fewer delays
- Reduced risk of audits, fines, or penalties
- Stronger global supply chain agility
- Improved stakeholder confidence and compliance culture
Simply put when your classification and tariff strategies are optimised, your business moves faster—and more profitably—across borders.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Stop Reacting and Start Strategising
Trade policies will keep evolving. Tariffs will keep changing. But with the right approach, you don’t have to play catch-up anymore.
Descartes gives you the tools to take control—so you can navigate the complexities of global trade with confidence, accuracy, and agility.
Want to Learn More?
Speak to a trade strategist about your current challenges
Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about unlocking potential.
Let’s explore what that looks like for your business.
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