Product

Pre-Classification Research Tool

Streamline conversations between importers, compliance teams, and brokers. GingerControl's research tool applies General Rules of Interpretation to your product descriptions, asks clarifying questions when details are ambiguous, and generates research reports in seconds, ready to share with your licensed customs broker.

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Compliance Reminder

This is a pre-classification research tool. Results are for general reference, educational, and planning purposes only, designed to enable better communication between trade compliance teams, importers, and licensed customs brokers. Per CBP Ruling HQ H290535, providing HTS classifications beyond 6 digits for specific imports constitutes “customs business” under 19 U.S.C. § 1641. Do not use these results directly in customs entry documents without independent review by a licensed customs broker.

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How It Works

01

Describe Your Product

Enter a product description, upload a spec sheet, or paste an invoice line item. The tool accepts text, PDF, JPG and Excel.

02

AI Analyzes & Asks

The engine applies GRI logic, cross-references section notes, and asks clarifying questions if the description is ambiguous.

03

Receive Your Research Report

Get HTS code candidates, duty rates, reasoning chains and applicable tariff surcharges. Export the result as a pre-classification research report to share with your customs broker.

See It In Action

Ginger Doesn't Guess, It Asks

When a product description is ambiguous, the research tool asks targeted clarifying questions before proceeding. This interactive workflow mirrors how an experienced customs specialist would approach the same product, producing more accurate research results for your broker to review.

GingerControl Pre-Classification Research Tool asking clarifying questions about a Star Trek Snowfall product before proceeding with research
GingerControl Pre-Classification Research Tool showing GRI-based reasoning chain with heading candidates, exclusion reasons and confidence scores for vacuum vessel research

Full GRI Reasoning Chain

Every research result walks through the General Rules of Interpretation step by step. See which headings were considered, why alternatives were excluded, and the legal basis for the recommended HTS code, the same logic customs authorities apply.

Pre-Classification Research Report

Every research result can be exported as a PDF report with product details, reasoning chain, conversation log and legal references, ready to share with your licensed customs broker for review.

View Sample Report

Key Features

GRI-Based Reasoning

Researches product classification following the General Rules of Interpretation, the same framework customs authorities use to determine tariff codes.

Clarifying Questions

When a product description is ambiguous, the tool asks targeted questions before proceeding, reducing the risk of inaccurate research results.

Batch Processing

Upload spreadsheets or documents with hundreds of SKUs and research them in parallel. Supports PDF, JPG, XLSX and CSV formats.

Audit-Ready Research Reports

Every research result includes a detailed reasoning chain, section and chapter note references, and a confidence score to streamline conversations with your customs broker.

ECCN Screening

Identify export-controlled items with ECCN classification alongside HTS codes. Flag dual-use products before they reach the shipping dock.

Full Tariff Stack

See the complete duty picture: MFN rates plus Section 301, Section 232, Section 122 and Chapter 99 surcharges in one view.

Tested Across Industries

The research tool has been tested and validated on real-world product catalogs spanning six major import categories.

Automotive Parts

Brake assemblies, sensors, wiring harnesses

Electronics

PCBs, semiconductors, consumer devices

Chemicals

Industrial solvents, adhesives, coatings

Furniture

Office seating, modular shelving, fixtures

Machinery

CNC components, pumps, conveyor systems

Textiles

Fabrics, garments, technical fibers

Frequently Asked Questions

How does AI pre-classification research work?

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GingerControl's pre-classification research tool follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) used by customs authorities worldwide. It analyzes your product description, applies section and chapter notes, and walks through GRI 1 through GRI 6 to identify the most likely HTS code candidates. When the description is ambiguous, it asks clarifying questions before proceeding.

Are the research results accurate enough to rely on?

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The tool produces research reports with full reasoning chains, note references and confidence scores. Many customs brokers and compliance managers use it to accelerate their review, then confirm the findings with their licensed customs broker before filing. The detailed output makes it easy to verify and discuss each recommendation.

What file formats can I upload for batch research?

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You can upload PDF documents, JPG images of invoices or spec sheets, Excel spreadsheets (XLSX) and CSV files. The tool extracts product descriptions from each format and processes them in parallel.

Does the tool also handle ECCN screening?

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Yes. Alongside HTS pre-classification research, the tool screens products against the Commerce Control List to identify applicable ECCN codes. This helps exporters flag dual-use items and determine whether an export license may be required.

How is this different from looking up HTS codes manually?

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Manual HTS code lookup requires navigating thousands of headings and subheadings in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, then interpreting section notes and GRI rules. The pre-classification research tool automates this research process, applies the same legal logic, and returns a research report with reasoning in seconds instead of hours, ready for your customs broker to confirm.

Is it legal to use AI tools for HTS classification?

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Per CBP Ruling HQ H290535, providing HTS classifications beyond 6 digits for specific goods intended for importation constitutes “customs business” under 19 U.S.C. § 1641 and requires a licensed customs broker. GingerControl is a pre-classification research tool, designed to enable better communication between trade compliance teams, importers, and licensed customs brokers. Research results are for general reference, educational, and planning purposes only. Results must not be used directly in customs entry documents without independent review by a licensed customs broker.
What Licensed Customs Brokers DoWhat GingerControl Does (Not Customs Business)
File customs entries on behalf of importersProvide classification research
Represent clients before CBPProvide HTS likelihood analysis
Take responsibility for binding rulingsProvide GRI reasoning references

Get Your Pre-Classification Research Report

Enter a product description and receive a research report with full GRI reasoning in seconds. No signup required.

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For general reference only. See compliance disclaimer.