International Prototype Shipping
Shipping to the U.S.: Xometry's checkout price for international prototypes shipped to the U.S. is inclusive of tariffs and shipping.
Standard parcels have free shipping options available. Freight or oversized packages may require additional shipping charges.
Shipping to Non-U.S. destinations: Xometry’s checkout prices are not inclusive of duties, taxes, or fees when an order is shipped to a destination outside of the U.S. In these cases the customer will be responsible for these charges. Applicable shipping charges based on the weight and size of the package are additional.
What qualifies a part as a Prototype?
For customs purposes, particularly for duty-free treatment when importing into the U.S., a "prototype" has a specific definition. It refers to originals or models of parts that are intended exclusively for non-commercial purposes like development, testing, product evaluation, or quality control. These items are typically imported in limited quantities suitable for testing, not for resale or incorporation into products that will be sold.
Note: Items intended for commercial sale, inventory, or use beyond testing/evaluation do not qualify as prototypes for customs purposes.
Qualifying prototypes can often enter the U.S. duty-free under a specific customs provision (HTSUS subheading 9817.85.01). While other duties, tariffs, and fees may apply (such as tariffs on aluminum and steel), Xometry includes all anticipated duties, fees, and taxes in the purchase price for international prototypes that are shipped to the U.S., including any applicable tariffs.
International Production Orders and Standard HTS Classifications
Standard customs procedures and costs apply to international orders that are not prototypes (i.e., parts intended for commercial use, resale, inventory, or incorporation into final products for sale).
You will be asked to provide an HTS code when ordering custom parts internationally. For many, this can be a new and confusing subject. In this article, we’ll try to clarify these codes, why they are essential, and the tools you can use to find relevant HTS codes for your parts.
What is an HTS code?
HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes are product classification codes that the United States Customs uses when importing products into the country. They are primarily used to determine the customs duties paid on imports. The codes are typically 8-10 digits long and broken into several parts that classify the goods.
The first six digits of an HTS code are the same as the HS (Harmonized System) codes used by other World Customs Organization (WCO) members to classify goods for customs purposes. The subsequent digits are used for further classification in the United States. In the example below, we break down the different parts of HS and HTS codes to provide a better understanding of how they work:
Why is it essential to have a correct HTS code?
Providing a correct HTS code is crucial for several reasons:
- Prevent Customs Delays: If a code is missing or incorrect, customs agents may hold the items, resulting in severe delivery delays.
- Ensure Accurate Duties: Improper classification can lead to being charged higher duty rates than necessary.
- Avoid Post-Order Follow-up: Providing a valid code at checkout prevents the need for Xometry support teams to contact you later for corrections, which can contribute to extra noise in your project.
Why do customers need to provide HTS codes?
Xometry manufactures custom parts for endless possibilities across various industries. Because these parts are unique to your specifications, we cannot determine the exact intended use or classification without your input. For this reason, customers are responsible for selecting the correct HTS code for their shipments.
How do you find HTS codes?
We have made it easy for you to identify and enter the best HTS code for your project during checkout. Simply proceed with placing your international order, and when prompted to provide your HTS code, you will be able to use the Suggested HTS Code feature embedded right in the checkout experience.
If you are unsure of your code, click the "Suggest a Code" button. Our system uses your part description and industry to find the most likely valid matches.
- As you enter a code, the system automatically verifies if it is valid. A green checkmark indicates a valid format, while an "Invalid" warning will suggest corrections to help you avoid future shipping hurdles.
- The accuracy of the AI suggestion depends on your part description. Providing a specific, detailed description of the part’s function will yield the most accurate HTS results.
Alternatively, you may also identify your valid HTS code by visiting the U.S. International Trade Commision tool available here:
https://hts.usitc.gov/
. Using a tool like this, you can search for keywords to pull up results related to your search, then choose the code which classifies your product the best.
For additional information about HS and HTS codes, you can visit the International Trade Administration’s website here:
https://www.trade.gov/harmonized-system-hs-codes
.
Managing HTS Codes Post-Order
We understand that you may not always have your HTS code ready at the exact moment of checkout. To make this easier, Xometry now allows you to manage this information directly through your dashboard.
- Order Details Page: If you placed an order with a placeholder or need to update your classification, simply navigate to your Order Details page. You will find a dedicated HTS field where you can enter and save your 10-digit code.
- Automated Validation: Our system automatically checks your code for accuracy. If a code is missing or invalid, you will receive an automated email notification with a direct link to the update page.
- Reminder Schedule: If the code is not updated, a reminder will be sent 48 hours later. To ensure your shipment is not delayed, a Xometry Support representative will reach out via phone if the information is still missing 72 hours after order placement.
Duties, Fees, and Taxes for Production Orders
Unlike qualifying prototypes, production parts are subject to duties based on their HTS classification, value, and country of origin.
These costs can vary significantly depending on the specific part and current international trade regulations, including potential additional tariffs (like Section 301 or AD/CVD for certain goods from specific countries).
Because these charges are determined by customs authorities at the time of import and depend on factors specific to the shipment, the initial purchase price for international production orders generally does not include these potential import duties, fees, or taxes. These additional costs may be assessed upon arrival and are typically the responsibility of the customer.
Understanding Import Costs: Tariffs, Duties, Fees, and Taxes
When importing goods into the U.S., you might encounter several terms related to costs assessed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Here’s a quick guide to help clarify them:
- Tax: This is the most general term for a mandatory financial charge imposed by a government. In the context of imports, duties, tariffs, and certain fees are all types of taxes levied on goods entering the country.
- Duty (Customs Duty): This is a specific type of tax levied on goods crossing international borders, primarily imports. The amount of duty is calculated based on the value of the goods, their country of origin, and their classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Duties primarily serve to generate government revenue and control the flow of goods.
- Tariff: While often used interchangeably with "duty", a tariff technically refers to the rate of duty listed in the official schedule (the HTS) or a specific type of duty imposed as part of trade policy. Tariffs are often used strategically to protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive or in response to trade disputes (e.g., Section 301 tariffs on goods from China). Essentially, a tariff is the policy or rate that results in a specific duty amount being charged.
- Fee: This is a charge collected by CBP for specific services related to processing imported goods. Common examples include the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), which covers the cost of processing the import entry, and the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF), which is applied to goods arriving by sea to cover port upkeep. These fees are separate from and often charged in addition to applicable duties or tariffs.
Understanding these terms can help you better anticipate the total landed cost of your international shipments.