HTS /ECCN Classification Audits

A classification audit reviews your past HTS and ECCN classifications, together with shipping and commercial documents. This independent review helps identify errors or outdated codes that may lead to duty overpayments or compliance risks under US customs law.

Why HTS /ECCN Classification Audits Matter

In US trade compliance:

Errors in classification can result in:

An Independent Customs Classification Audit provides clarity to support compliance on past and future filings while identifying opportunities to lower costs and reduce regulatory exposure.

What the Customs Classification Audit for Compliance & Duty Savings Includes:

Our classification audits involve a structured, advisory-focused review of your past filings and supporting documentation. Wehelp clients save timeby providing detailed, accurate reviews and advisory guidance, identifying issues from past entries and recommending corrective steps while strengthening compliance for the future.

Review of Historical Classifications & Entries
Examination of prior HTS and ECCN codes toassess whetherthey remain accurate under current rules.
Analysis of Supporting Documents
Detailed Review of invoices, bills of lading, CBP entry documents (Forms 7501 and 3461), product specifications, and descriptions — to assess consistency between declared data and assigned HTS/ECCN classifications.
Assessment Against Current Regulations
Cross-check with the latest CBP regulations and rulings to support consistency with current requirements.
Identify Potential Misclassifications or Overpayment.

Highlight risks and opportunities to recover overpaid duties or avoid penalties.

Recommendations for Corrections or Rulings

Advisory guidance on filing Post Summary Corrections (PSC), Protests, and requesting Binding Ruling Preparation & Submission Support when needed.

CBP Form 28/29 Support

Guidance and support in preparing responses to CBP Form 28/29 requests.

Compliance Risk Assessment
A final report outlines risks, refund opportunities, and corrective steps — to help strengthen compliance in the future.

Timeframes to Revise Past Entries:

One of the most valuable aspects of an audit is knowing whether past entries can still be corrected:

Post Summary Corrections (PSC):May be filed up to300 days after entryor15 days before scheduled liquidation (the final CBP review of an entry),whichever is earlier.
Protests (19 U.S.C. §1514):Must be filed within180 days after the date of liquidation(final CBP review of an entry).
Duty Refund Opportunities:Errors caught within these windows can often be corrected for refunds.
Outside the Window:If deadlines pass, adjustments can still be made for future shipments, and voluntary disclosures may mitigate penalties.

Timing is critical. An audit can help identify errors while recovery windows remain open. While brokers can file PSCs or protests when requested, their focus is usually on current filings rather than reviewing past entries.

Our company adds value by analyzing your historical import data with a second set of eyes and conducting detailed reviews.

We prepare clear instructions and supporting analysis for your review and decision-making, helping produce accurate, well-supported records and mitigate risks, even when correction windows have closed.

We provide independent advisory and compliance consulting that helps companies gain clarity, confidence, and control in trade compliance.

Financial Value: Pursue duty refunds, reduce the risk of penalties, improve cost predictability, and identify and pursue potential FTA savings.
Compliance Protection: Stay current with evolving HTS/ECCN rules, reduce audit risk, and anticipate regulatory changes.
Operational Benefits: Support faster clearance, better supply chain planning, audit-ready files, and broker-ready reports.
Competitive Edge: Independent perspective, cross-border expertise, and strategic insight to help strengthen compliance for the future.

Partner With Us

At Customs-Co, partnership means more than just audits — it’s about delivering clarity, independence, and confidence in your trade compliance. Through an unbiased review and advisory support, we provide transparency and peace of mind, helping your business stay compliant and future-ready.

Schedule your HTS /ECCN Classification Audits for compliance & duty savings — support accurate, well-documented HTS/ECCN reporting, help reduce compliance risk, and identify duty-savings opportunities.

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