Tips for Answering Classification Questions on the Customs Broker Exam

With the October exam just a few weeks away, there are lots of aspiring broker applicants working hard to learn as much as possible. While there is no substitute for studying the Customs Regulations and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, we’ve come up with a few helpful strategies that might make your studies easier. Our first tip involves a method of answering classification questions on the exam.

While the rules for classification are the same, the approach to classification on the exam is a little different from the approach importers and brokers use when classifying their products. Why? Classification questions on the Customs Broker Exam are designed to encourage a high level of attention to the details, and you have a limited time to answer them. Additionally, the correct classification is provided on the Customs Brokers Exam and all you have to do is select the right one. In reality, importers and brokers are not provided with five options from which they can select the correct answer, thus the process is a little more complicated. Understanding the information provided in the question is the key to being able to select the correct answer. To make sure you don't miss any information, try this technique when classifying questions on the exam.

Step 1: Make a list of the information provided in the question. Making a list should help you remember all of the components and reduce the tendency to focus on one or two of the components listed in the question.

Step 2: Skim section and chapter notes for specific exclusions. The Section and Chapter Notes often provide information that specifically includes or excludes a product from a certain provision. Customs often tests the applicant’s classification knowledge by asking questions that will require consulting these notes.

Step 3: Eliminate obvious incorrect answers. Once you have a list of key components and look up the classifications provided, you will be able to eliminate some of the answer selections easily. The selections can normally be narrowed down to two.

Note: Steps 2 and 3 may be used together. Sometimes you can eliminate answers without consulting the chapter notes, but in other situations, you may need to consult the chapter notes in order to eliminate answers.

Step 4: Select the best classification. If you’ve followed these steps, the correct classification should be clear. At worst, you should have narrowed the selection down to two possible answers. Make sure you haven’t overlooked a note and select the best answer. You can always come back and review this question if you have time at the end of the exam.


HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE.


Example 1

What is the classification of a woven nylon scarf measuring 55 cm x 50 cm?

A. 6214.30.0000
B. 6214.40.0000
C. 6213.90.1000
D. 6117.10.2030
E. 6117.10.6020


Step 1: Make a list of the key information about the item to be classified.

1. Woven
2. Nylon
3. Scarf
4. 55 cm x 50 cm

Note: In this example, we were able to easily eliminate two obvious incorrect answers before reading the notes.

Step 2: Eliminate obvious incorrect answers

1. We can eliminate Answers D and E because Chapter 61 covers knit articles.

2. Answer B is incorrect because nylon is a synthetic fiber. If you didn’t know nylon was a synthetic fiber, you might have difficulty eliminating this one. Now you know why it’s a good reason to bring a dictionary with you! If you look up “nylon” in the Alphabetical Index, you’ll find it refers you to “synthetic fibers.”

3. It would appear that Answer A is the correct answer for our scarf since the provision provides for scarves and Answer C provides for handkerchiefs; however, it would be a mistake to quit here without reading the Chapter Notes.

Step 3: Skim section and chapter notes for specific exclusions. Chapter 62 Note 7 states that scarves that measure less than 60 cm should be classified as handkerchiefs under 6213. Since the scarves in the question are under 60 cm, then Answer A is incorrect.

Step 4: Select the best classification. We have eliminated all of the answers except C, which is the best answer for this question.




Example 2

What is the classification for baby girls' cotton dresses woven (not knitted) of 100% cotton for babies with a height of 96 cms?

A. 6209.20.1000
B. 6204.42.3060
C. 6204.49.5010
D. 6204.42.3020
E. 6204.42.2000

Step 1: Make a list of the key information about the item to be classified.

1. Baby girl's dress


2. Woven


3. 100% cotton


4. Babies Height 96 cm

Step 2: Eliminate obvious incorrect answers

1. Answer C is incorrect because the provision is for "other" materials and our dress is cotton which has its own provision.

2. Answer D is incorrect because the provision is for corduroy and our dress was not described as such.

3. Answer E is incorrect because our dress is 100% cotton and does not contain flax.

If we were in a hurry, it would be tempting to select Answer A that provides for babies clothing of cotton, right? What about the height? Just because a garment may be described as a dress for baby girls doesn’t mean it is classified as a babies’ garment.


Step 3: Skim section and chapter notes for specific exclusions. Chapter 62 Note 4a states that babies’ garments are for babies with a height not over 86 cm. Our dress is for a baby of 96 cm; therefore, it will not be classified as a baby's dress even though we call it a baby dress and it is for a baby. Answer A is incorrect because the provision is for babies.

Step 4: Select the best classification. Answer B is correct because the provision is for a girl’s dress of cotton.



Example 3

What is the classification for peaches preserved in syrup, packed in retail containers each holding less than 1.4 kg, and entered on July 31?

A. 0809.30.2000
B. 0811.90.8080
C. 0812.90.9000
D. 2008.70.1020
E. 2008.70.2020


Step 1: Make a list of the key information about the item to be classified.

1. Peaches
2. Preserved in syrup
3. Packed in retail containers <> 8 or 20.



Step 3: Eliminate obvious incorrect answers

1. Answer A is incorrect because preserved peaches are no longer fresh.



2. Answer B is incorrect because these peaches are not frozen.



3. Answer C is incorrect because these peaches are suitable for consumption.



4. Answer D is incorrect because the product is described as peaches and not nectarines.


Step 4: Select the best classification. Since we have eliminated four of the five selections, the remaining answer should be the correct one. This HTS 2008.70.2020 provides for peaches that are otherwise prepared or preserved in containers less than 1.4 kg., which matches our description.

Note: Sometimes Customs adds facts to the question that are irrelevant in arriving at the answer. Notice that the entry date of July 31 is irrelevant to the correct answer in this example. You should list all of the elements provided, but remember that some of the elements may be irrelevant.



Let us know what you think. If you have another method that works for you, please share it with us!