Explainer: How to use CROSS for U.S. imports

At Cole International, we believe that the more you know, the better your goods will go. Our Explainer posts provide valuable information you should know about before making your next move. We understand that the logistics industry involves complex processes, regulations, and definitions that can be overwhelming to navigate. Cole's Explainer series breaks down key concepts into bite-size knowledge that's easy to consume. 

What is the Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS)?

The Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) is a database that allows you to search through previous CBP customs rulings for imports to the United States. CROSS is designed to offer an accessible solution for people who want to learn more about how their imported goods will likely be classified by border agents. Prior rulings listed in the database are meant to provide a guideline, not a guarantee, of how imports will be processed and classified at the U.S. border.

Regulations for U.S. imports undergo change on a regular basis. The CROSS database receives updates on CBP rulings and announces them on the website. Importers can use the database as a powerful search tool that provides vital info about their U.S. imports. CROSS offers more than 215,000 searchable legal rulings in the database, covering regulations for the vast majority of imported goods.

What information does CROSS provide for importers?

Importers can get a variety of key details and information about goods imported into the United States. The legal precedents published in the CROSS database help to guide the trade community towards improved compliance and efficiency. Information found in these rulings are related to matters within the jurisdiction of the CBP, such as:

Country of origin

The country of origin for goods determines many aspects of how imports are treated at the U.S. border, with different regulations and duties for goods originating from certain jurisdictions.

Duty drawbacks

CROSS includes previous rulings on duty drawbacks, which allow importers to get refunds of some taxes and fees after exporting or destroying the imports.

Eligibility under trade preference programs

Tariff preference programs can help importers save money by reducing duties, tariffs, and taxes on their imports. Eligibility rulings show you prior decisions related to eligibility. 

Tariff classifications

Accurately classifying imports is a key requirement for determining the tariffs on imported goods. The CROSS database can help importers find previous rulings on Schedule B codes and HS codes, with the potential for reducing tariffs and taxes. 

Valuation of goods

The value of imported goods can vary greatly, depending on the method used to calculate the valuation of imports. Prior rulings can reveal how an importer should appraise their goods.

Why should importers use CROSS?

CROSS lets importers proactively address compliance concerns by accessing legal precedents enforced by the CBP. The database includes a dedicated search tool that makes it easier to get results that matter to you. Hundreds of thousands of rulings are in the CROSS database, so it's likely that you'll find relevant information for nearly all types of goods - even niche items. So whether you're concerned about country of origin rules, or how to calculate the value of a specific type of import, you'll be able to rely on reputable info based on CBP rulings.

Using a tool like CROSS allows importers to plan ahead and stay up-to-date on the latest regulations, two significant aspects of maintaining efficient compliance processes. Border agents and CBP officers also use CROSS to access prior rulings, which helps them process your imports at a quicker pace. Since all parties involved use the same database, importers can feel confident that rulings are based on a transparent, predictable, and consistent compliance process instead of an arbitrary, last-minute decision at the border.

How to use CROSS 

Using CROSS is similar to using Google Search. You enter the name of the product that you're importing into the search field to get relevant results. However, CROSS offers some features that make it easier to find previous rulings related to your scenarios.

• CROSS lets you use "AND," "OR," or "NOT" to build a search query that further refines results.
• CROSS can provide cross-referenced results that help you discover how rulings evolve over time, or if they’ve been overruled.
• CROSS enables keyword searches such as "valuation" or "country of origin" to find rulings on specific aspects of compliance.
• CROSS allows you to filter results down to a range of dates, or results specific to USMCA or NAFTA rulings.

Learning how to use CROSS to search through CBP rulings can reveal valuable information that leads to more efficient and cost-effective trading with the U.S. Connect with Cole to find out more about optimizing import processes.

The more you know!

We invite you to continue growing your knowledge base by exploring our earlier Explainer posts:

Explainer: What is load optimization in logistics?

Explainer: BN and RM numbers for importing into Canada

Explainer: Why businesses work with Customs compliance consultants

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