Customs Classification Software

Customs classification software,
built for accuracy you can prove.

TariffTel brings AI-assisted tariff classification together with human expert verification and a full, HMRC-defensible audit trail. So every commodity code is not just fast to produce, but defensible when it matters. UK and EU coverage, ERP integration and regulatory monitoring built in.

FDEA Award 2025
Expert-Verified
ISO 27001
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HS Code Verified
6109.10.00
Cotton T-shirts, knitted
Audit Trail Logged
Reasoning & WCO notes attached
Over 1.5 million products classified. Trusted by leading UK and European brands.
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What It Is

What customs classification software does

Customs classification software (also called tariff classification or trade compliance software) assigns the correct commodity code, the HS or tariff code, to every product you import or export. The right code drives your duty rate, your free trade agreement eligibility, and whether measures like CBAM or anti-dumping duty apply. Good software does not just suggest a code: it captures the product data, applies the General Interpretive Rules and chapter notes, and records the reasoning so the decision holds up under audit.

1

Capture the product

Gather the data that determines the code: composition, materials, function, processing and origin. The harder the category, the more detail matters.

2

Determine the code

Apply the General Interpretive Rules, section and chapter notes, and WCO guidance. AI accelerates the shortlist; an expert confirms the right answer.

3

Record & defend

Store the reasoning, the supporting notes and the version history so the classification is defensible if HMRC ever asks.

Why It Matters

The code touches everything downstream

Get the commodity code right and the rest of your compliance follows. Get it wrong and the costs compound across duty, audits, agreements and emerging regulation.

Duty

The code sets the duty rate. The wrong heading can mean overpaid duty year after year, or underpaid duty with back-duty demands going back four years.

Audit

HMRC can issue penalties of around £2,500 per incorrect commodity code. A documented audit trail is your defence.

FTA Preference

Free trade agreement preferences hinge on the correct code and origin. The wrong code can forfeit legitimate duty savings.

CBAM & Measures

CBAM, anti-dumping and other measures are tied to specific codes. Accurate classification keeps you ahead of new regulation.

What To Look For

Eight things that separate good software from the rest

Anyone can suggest a code. The questions worth asking are about accuracy, defensibility and how well the tool fits your operation.

Accuracy & expert verification
AI suggestions are a starting point. Look for human expert verification on the codes that carry risk.
Full audit trail
Every code should carry its reasoning, supporting notes and version history, ready for an HMRC review.
Supplier engagement
The right code needs the right data. Look for built-in supplier engagement to capture composition and specs at source.
UK & EU coverage
If you move goods GB-NI or trade into both markets, you need both UK and EU tariff coverage in one place.
ERP & PLM integration
Classification should flow into your ERP and PLM, not live in a spreadsheet alongside them.
Regulatory monitoring
Tariffs and measures change constantly. The software should track those changes and flag affected products.
ISO 27001 security
Your product and supplier data is commercially sensitive. ISO 27001 certification is a baseline, not a bonus.
UK-based support
When a code is contested, you want classification experts who know UK and EU practice on the other end.
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How TariffTel Does It

Three products, one standard of accuracy

TariffTel is purpose-built for the hardest categories to classify, food, drink and retail, and brings that rigour to every sector. Our food and drink work was recognised with an FDEA award in 2025, and the platform is trusted by ASDA, M&S and boohoo.

1
TTExplore

A fast classification tool: AI-assisted code suggestions with the reasoning and WCO notes shown, for quick, informed decisions.

2
TTVerified

The full platform: expert-verified codes, supplier engagement, a complete HMRC-defensible audit trail, UK & EU coverage and ERP integration.

3
TariffTel Managed Services

Our experts run classification for you at scale, ideal for large catalogues, complex supply chains and regulatory change programmes.

FAQ

Customs classification software, answered

It helps importers and exporters assign the correct commodity code to each product. It applies the General Interpretive Rules, chapter and section notes, and regulatory data to determine the right code, then records the reasoning so the classification can be defended in an HMRC audit. TariffTel adds expert verification on top of AI-assisted suggestions so the code is both fast and accurate.
The commodity code determines the duty rate, eligibility for free trade agreement preferences, whether CBAM or anti-dumping measures apply, and what licences are required. An incorrect code can mean overpaid duty, underpaid duty with back-duty demands going back four years, HMRC penalties of around £2,500 per incorrect code, and delayed shipments at the border.
Demonstrable accuracy and expert verification, a full audit trail that records the reasoning behind each code, supplier data engagement, UK and EU coverage, ERP and PLM integration, ongoing regulatory monitoring, and recognised information security such as ISO 27001 certification.
Yes. TariffTel classifies against UK and EU tariff requirements, which matters for GB-NI movements and for businesses trading into both markets. TariffTel supported Marks & Spencer through Brexit implementation, handling food classification for GB-NI trade under the new customs requirements.
Yes. TariffTel has deep specialism in food, drink and retail, the hardest categories to classify. The platform is used by ASDA, M&S and boohoo, and the food and drink work was recognised with an FDEA award in 2025.
Get Started

Accuracy you can prove. Codes you can defend.

See how TariffTel combines AI-assisted classification with expert verification and a full audit trail. Book a demo or talk to our team about TTExplore, TTVerified and Managed Services.

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