Highlights
Industry scan, two-minute read.
Classification | Micro-edits, macro-impact.
Quiet nomenclature tweaks in the 2025 HTS are nudging certain headings and notes—enough to move an item/part number across duty lines or into new statistical breakouts. Practical move: run a “diff” on your top 50 item numbers against the current change record and re-issue broker instructions where essential character or note language bites.
ISF (10+2) | Data discipline over deadline panic.
Terminals are unforgiving when ISF data drifts from final entry: wrong parties, six-digit HTS placeholders that never get updated, late consolidator swaps. Remember: filings are due 24 hours pre-load, and CBP can assess $5,000 per violation for late/inaccurate submissions. Treat ISF as your first accuracy gate, not a box to check.
AES | Routed ≠ vibes—put it in writing.
If the foreign principal party directs the export, document the model: who files the EEI, who supplies which data elements, and how the ITN flows back into records. Your SOP should show the lane (standard vs. routed), your contracts should echo it, and your forwarders should be audited to it.
What to do now
Re-test classifications for your top movers against 2025 HTS edits; attach a one-page rationale per item.
Sample last month’s ISFs against final entry data; fix the handoff that causes the most corrections.
Refresh routed-export templates (authorization + data-element matrix) and brief your providers.
Editor’s note: Informational, not legal advice.
Primary sources:
USITC — 2025 HTS Change Record (Rev. 1). Harmonized Tariff Schedule
CBP Help Center — Importer Security Filing (10+2): 24-hour rule & $5,000 liquidated damages. CBP Help Center
eCFR — 15 CFR §30.3: FTR responsibilities; standard vs. routed export transactions. eCFR
