US Patent 7792863 Harmonized tariff schedule classification using decision tree database

A Harmonized Tariff Schedule Classification system and method is disclosed using an integrated Trade Compliance System (TCS) that includes a decision tree for classifying products based on HTS codes. In one aspect, an analyst may access the TCS and select a commodity group appropriate for the product to be imported. Thereupon, the analyst may navigate through a decision tree which includes questions regarding the nature of the product (e.g., function, composition, etc.). The analyst finally arrives at a specific HTS code, which is assigned to the product. In other aspect, a company utilizing an internal classification system for its products creates an internal-to-commodity group map, thereby enabling an analyst to associate an internal classification with a relevant commodity group for classification purposes. In other aspect, the internal classifications may be mapped directly to an HTS code rather than to a commodity group.