Question 1

How do we classify HTS codes across a large BOM?

Accepted Answer

Feed the bill of materials in and classify each component to its HTS code and duty rate in one pass, rather than researching parts one at a time. For a large BOM the exposure hides in the components, and a single wrong code repeated across a product line compounds fast. GingerControl maps each line to its code, duty, and applicable special programs with the GRI reasoning attached, so engineering and compliance finally share the same numbers. We classify the parts; your broker still files the finished-good entries.

Question 2

How do we reconcile HTS codes across multiple ERPs?

Accepted Answer

Reconciling codes across several ERPs is handled as a custom integration our services team builds, not a self-serve import. Manufacturers that grew by acquisition often carry the same part under different codes in different systems, which shows up as duty leakage and audit risk. GingerControl scopes a bespoke engagement to pull those catalogs into one consistent classification against a shared methodology. Because it is custom, it starts with discovery and a fixed, milestone-based scope, not an off-the-shelf connector, and we build it rather than file your entries.

Question 3

How do we handle the annual USITC HTS update process?

Accepted Answer

Treat the annual USITC HTS revision as a re-check of your catalog against added, modified, and sunset codes, because a subheading you have used for years can change or disappear. GingerControl classifies against a current 20,000-plus code HTS database and our free Trade Policy Digest flags database add, modify, and sunset notifications as they publish, so you see the changes before they hit a shipment. We surface the impact and reclassify; applying the corrected codes at entry stays with your broker, and we do not connect to ACE.

Question 4

What is the difference between an HTS code and a Schedule B code?

Accepted Answer

An HTS code classifies goods you import into the U.S., while a Schedule B code classifies goods you export out of it, and the same product can carry a different number on each side. Both build on the 6-digit international HS heading, then diverge at the U.S. level. For a manufacturer that both imports components and exports finished goods, you manage both. GingerControl supports classification from the bill of materials through export; for the export side it also classifies ECCN controls, though that is a web workflow with no API yet.

Question 5

Should we build or buy HTS classification for our BOMs?

Accepted Answer

Buy the reasoning engine and keep your team on the judgment calls, unless you have both trade-law depth and engineers to maintain a rules database against constant tariff change. Building in-house means owning GRI logic, CROSS rulings, and every USITC update yourself, which rarely pays off against BOM-scale volume. GingerControl gives you that engine self-serve or by API, with a custom build available when it must live inside your stack. We are builder-not-broker, so buying the tool does not hand us your entry filing or importer-of-record role.

Question 6

Can we use tariff engineering on imported components?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tariff engineering means making a deliberate design or sourcing change, a different material blend, fastener, or origin, that lawfully moves a component into a more favorable HTS code, and it works best decided at design time. Once a shipment is reclassified at the port, the cheaper option is already gone. GingerControl lets you compare variants and their duty outcomes at the BOM stage so engineering and landed cost are decided together. We show the levers and the numbers; the sourcing and design decision stays yours, and we are software, not legal counsel.

Question 7

With capital-goods imports at record levels in 2026, how much does a design-time BOM or origin decision actually move our landed cost?

Accepted Answer

On Chapter 84 and 85 equipment it can move 15 to 50 points, because the base MFN rate is near zero and almost the entire duty is the Section 232 full-value metals layer plus Section 301, both riding on the classification and origin the BOM fixes. With capital-goods imports at a record $128.0 billion in May 2026 and Section 232 now assessed on the machine's full customs value, that design-time decision moves more landed cost than it used to. GingerControl lets you compare material, fastener, and origin variants and their duty outcomes at the BOM stage, so engineering and landed cost are decided together. We show the levers and the numbers; the sourcing decision stays yours, and we are software, not legal counsel.

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