Sourcing glossary
Binding tariff ruling
Also known as: binding ruling, advance ruling, BTI, CBP ruling, 품목분류 사전심사
A written decision from a customs authority, issued before import on request, that fixes how a described product will be classified or treated, and binds customs for that transaction.
Rulings most often cover tariff classification (the HS code) but can also cover origin or valuation questions. In the US, CBP binding rulings are binding for the transaction described and are published in the CROSS database, which is useful for checking how similar products were classified. The EU, UK and Korea run their own advance-ruling systems.
Consider a ruling when the duty rate depends on a disputed classification, such as a multi-function device or a set. The ruling only protects you if the product matches the description you submitted. See how to find an HS code.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
Part of Tariffs & Compliance.