Advantages of binding tariff information

The first advantage of the BTI is that it saves time in the customs clearance process. If no binding tariff information is available at the time of clearance, the code numbers matching the goods must first be searched for and found in the electronic customs tariff. This process is not only time-consuming, but if the economic operator classifies the goods incorrectly, it could also lead to costs being higher than previously thought or to required documents possibly being missing.

In the worst case scenario, binding tariff information can even save the trader from criminal or administrative proceedings due to incorrect customs declarations. Because if an economic operator has chosen the wrong customs tariff number, there is a threat of additional payments, fines and criminal proceedings, and this can be very expensive.

We support you with the BTI

The experts at Gerlach Customs will be happy to advise and support you in this matter. In addition, we can apply to the customs authorities for binding tariff information on your behalf.

This provides you with legal certainty and saves you many risks.

Please contact us!

Accordingly, “limited quantities” of steel and aluminium from the EU could again be imported duty-free into the USA. In return, the EU would refrain from imposing tariffs on US products such as whiskey, jeans and Harley Davidson motorbikes.

The trade conflict was instigated in 2018 by then US President Donald Trump. Trump had imposed special tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. The EU responded with retaliatory tariffs on US products such as jeans, bourbon whiskey, motorbikes and peanut butter. Trump had justified the special tariffs with “national security interests”. The EU found this implausible and assumes that the aim was to protect the US economy from unwanted competition.

Already in May, the EU had taken steps to improve relations. Special tariffs on products such as aeroplanes, wine or ketchup were suspended until 2026. For some retaliatory tariffs, the EU waived planned increases. For example, the EU imposed only a 25 percent duty on American whiskey instead of the 50 percent initially planned. New tariff increases would have been due on 1 December. This has now been averted with the agreement.