Elearning

The USITC has released A Guide to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, a web- based, interactive e-learning module to help users become familiar with and learn how to read the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS).

The e-learning module, originally developed as an in-house training tool for new USITC staff, will guide users through web-based lessons to help them understand the HTS and how it is structured. The USITC fields hundreds of calls a year from importers, businesses, and citizens seeking information about classifying merchandise in the HTS.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the trading community use the HTS to determine tariff classifications and duty treatment for goods imported into the United States. The USITC plays a unique role in maintaining the HTS. The USITC also advises the United States Trade Representative and the Congress about proposals that might modify any or all of the thousands of product categories and duty rates.

The USITC HTS e-learning module consists of four lessons, which provide information about:

• * the purpose of the HTS and its role in U.S. trade and product classification;
• * how to read the HTS;
• * how to determine duty rates and access the HTS Online Reference Tool; and
• * special HTS provisions, such as those resulting from trade agreements and other special programs.

Each lesson includes a review section to ensure users have accurately digested the lesson's information.

The e-learning module also includes useful resources and links to other relevant information, including a glossary of terms, a library of links to related or more advanced information on a number of the topics covered in the lessons, and the HTS itself.

The USITC's e-learning module, A Guide to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States can be accessed at http://www.usitc.gov/elearning/hts/menu/. The USITC welcomes feedback on the HTS e-learning module from users at hts_elearning.module@usitc.gov.