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Customs Binding
Tariff Information (BTI)

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Introduction to BTI

What is Binding Tariff Information (BTI)?

The Binding Tariff Information (BTI) is a document issued by the customs administration that specifies the tariff classification of a good. It helps businesses secure their commercial operations by determining the applicable taxation as well as associated regulations, such as sanitary standards, technical standards, and trade policy measures, for goods coming from third countries. Within the European framework, a BTI issued by the customs authority of any of the 28 EU member states binds the customs services of all these states for a maximum period of 3 years. The holder of a BTI must include the BTI reference in their declaration during customs clearance operations.
Rely on the European and British BTIs to guide your search on OK!DUTY.

Importance of BTI for importers and exporters

To assist businesses in the customs classification of their goods, the European Union has established the Binding Tariff Information (BTI). This system allows a company to receive a decision from a customs authority of the EU regarding the tariff classification of the goods it intends to import or export. This decision allows the company to know in advance the duty and tax rates to be paid. The EBTI database of the European Commission, accessible through the Europa website, provides information on BTIs issued across the EU. Once issued, the BTI is binding for all EU customs services, regardless of the issuing member state. The operator holding the BTI must include its reference in their declaration during customs clearance procedures. The BTI is free of charge and valid for a period of 3 years. While the BTI is not directly enforceable by customs administrations of third countries during export, it is a valuable tool in case of a dispute regarding the tariff classification.

BTI objectives

Customs can assist businesses by providing Binding Tariff Information (BTI), essential for ensuring the accuracy of the customs classification of imported or exported goods. A BTI helps secure customs clearance operations by outlining the applicable duties and taxes, thus facilitating the determination of the product’s sale price. The customs classification system is a ten-digit coding system for goods, classified from the most general to the most detailed. It is divided into three levels:
  1. The first 6 digits correspond to the position of the Harmonized System (HS6), a global system for the designation and coding of goods. The HS ensures systematic and uniform classification for the countries that use it, facilitating international trade and the comparison of trade flows. This system is employed by 195 countries and covers over 95% of global trade.
  2. The Combined Nomenclature (CN8), defined at the European level, consists of 8 digits: the first 6 from the Harmonized System, followed by two additional digits. The CN8 determines the customs duties on imports into the European Union (EU) and is used to compile foreign trade statistics.
  3. The Integrated Tariff of the European Communities (TARIC10) is established at the community level and consists of 10 digits. The first 8 digits correspond to the CN, determining the applicable duties, while the last 2 digits specify the application of trade policy measures such as suspensions, tariff preferences, prohibitions, licenses, or anti-dumping duties on imports into the EU.
To submit a BTI request, it is recommended to contact the Business Advisory Unit in your region. The process is simple and quick, offering prior visibility on duty and tax costs, which allows you to optimize your export strategy.

The Binding Tariff Information (BTI) is a document issued by the customs administration that specifies the tariff classification of a good. It helps businesses secure their commercial operations by determining the applicable taxation as well as related regulations, such as sanitary standards, technical standards, and trade policy measures, for goods coming from third countries.

In the European context, a BTI issued by the customs authority of any of the 28 EU member states binds the customs services of all these states for a maximum period of 3 years. The holder of a BTI must include the BTI reference in their declaration during customs clearance operations.

Clarification of the tariff classification

Legal certainty for declarants

A Binding Tariff Information (BTI) is a document issued by the customs administration that helps you secure your commercial operations by specifying, depending on your choice, the applicable CN code or the TARIC code applicable to your goods.

Facilitation of customs procedures

The Binding Tariff Information (BTI) simplifies customs procedures by offering several key advantages: Security and Accuracy: It provides an official tariff classification, reducing errors and uncertainties in customs declarations. Cost Forecasting: It allows businesses to know in advance the duty and taxes, facilitating price setting and margin management. Compliance: It ensures adherence to customs regulations, minimizing the risk of sanctions for non-compliance. Dispute Reduction: It serves as a reference in case of a dispute over the tariff classification, reducing conflicts and accelerating customs clearance. Optimization: It facilitates logistical operations by ensuring correct product classification from the start.

BTI request

To speed up the processing of your Binding Tariff Information (BTI) request, it is essential to complete it correctly. Please include the following elements: Product composition: Indicate the raw materials, ingredients, or components used in the manufacturing of the product.

Packaging: Describe the container in which the goods are presented for import or export. User manual, technical data sheet, or functional diagram: If these documents are not available, provide the safety data sheet.

Detailed description of the goods: Include information such as dimensions, appearance, weight, as well as the functions and intended use of the product.

In case of doubt, it is recommended to send a representative sample of the goods along with the BTI request. Please note that samples sent for analysis in our laboratories will not be returned as they will be destroyed during the analysis process.

For large or bulky items (such as tarps), you can send a representative portion of the goods, with a minimum size of 21 cm x 29.7 cm (A4 size). Sending a sample is highly recommended for new products or prototypes.

Finally, color and patterns do not affect the tariff classification. Therefore, there is no need to request a BTI for identical goods available in different colors or patterns.

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