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Classification 101 Background Image

Classification 101 (7 MIN)

Introduction to Classification

Decode the details of classification. Learn what all those digits mean and why they matter for your supply chain.

Meet Your Instructor

Beny Sirkin

Beny Sirkin works on Flexport’s Trade Management team, serving as a Trade Advisory Associate and classification specialist. Prior to Flexport, she worked as an operations analyst and entry writer for the customs brokerage startup INLT, and a global trade compliance analyst at URBN. She graduated from Fox School of Business at Temple University with a B.S. in International Business and a minor in Finance in 2017, and obtained a Customs Broker’s license in 2021.

Beny Sirkin Photo

  • Beny Sirkin

    Beny Sirkin works on Flexport’s Trade Management team, serving as a Trade Advisory Associate and classification specialist. Prior to Flexport, she worked as an operations analyst and entry writer for the customs brokerage startup INLT, and a global trade compliance analyst at URBN. She graduated from Fox School of Business at Temple University with a B.S. in International Business and a minor in Finance in 2017, and obtained a Customs Broker’s license in 2021.

    Beny Sirkin Photo

    Your Key Takeaways

    Key Takeaway_1

    Customs officials use a harmonized system of numeric codes to classify goods. You can crack the codes if you know how the digits break down.

    Key Takeaway_2

    Chapters and headings in the HS codes determine the terms of classification first. After that, other digits determine localized tariffs.

    Key Takeaway_3

    General Rules of Interpretation, aka GRIs, govern how to choose the correct HS codes. Know your GRIs to narrow down classification.

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