Trump's New Tariffs Are Changing International Shipping
With the return of the Trump administration in 2025, new tariffs on imports from China, the EU, and other regions are creating significant challenges for businesses shipping internationally. Understanding tariff codes and proper CN23 customs documentation has never been more critical.
What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Matter Now?
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. Under the new Trump administration policies announced in early 2025, US tariffs have increased dramatically:
- China: Up to 60% tariffs on most goods
- European Union: 10-20% tariffs on selected products
- Mexico & Canada: 25% tariffs under review
- Steel & Aluminum: 25% across all countries
For European businesses shipping to the US, this means recalculating your entire pricing strategy and ensuring every shipment has accurate documentation.
What Are Tariff Codes (HS Codes)?
Tariff codes, also known as HS codes (Harmonized System codes), are standardized 6-10 digit numerical codes used worldwide to classify traded products. The system is maintained by the World Customs Organization and used by over 200 countries.
How HS Codes Are Structured
An HS code breaks down like this:
- First 2 digits: Chapter (e.g., 61 = Apparel, knitted)
- First 4 digits: Heading (e.g., 6109 = T-shirts)
- First 6 digits: Subheading (e.g., 610910 = Cotton T-shirts)
- 7-10 digits: Country-specific classification
These codes determine:
- The duty rate applied to your shipment
- Whether your goods are subject to additional tariffs (like the new Trump tariffs)
- Import/export restrictions and regulations
- Required documentation for customs clearance
With Trump's tariffs adding up to 60% on certain goods from China and 10-20% on EU products, getting your tariff codes right can mean the difference between a profitable shipment and a costly mistake.
Common Tariff Code Mistakes
Misclassification is one of the most expensive errors in international shipping:
- Too generic codes: Using a broad category when a specific code exists
- Material confusion: Cotton vs. synthetic blends have different codes
- Function vs. form: A decorative item vs. functional item may classify differently
- Sets vs. individual items: Bundled products have special rules
Understanding the CN23 Document
The CN23 form is the international customs declaration required for commercial shipments outside the EU. It's your shipment's passport through customs.
What's Required on a CN23
- Detailed product descriptions – Generic terms like "goods" will cause delays
- HS/Tariff codes for each item – Must match the product description
- Country of origin – Where the goods were manufactured
- Value declaration – Commercial value in the destination currency
- Weight and quantity – Gross and net weights
- Sender and recipient details – Complete addresses and contact info
Consequences of Incorrect CN23 Documentation
Getting your CN23 wrong can be costly:
- Shipment delays: Customs holds while they request clarification
- Unexpected duties: Wrong codes mean wrong tariff calculations
- Goods seized or returned: Serious mismatches can result in confiscation
- Penalties and fines: Repeated errors may trigger audits and penalties
- Customer dissatisfaction: Delays damage your reputation
How to Navigate the New Tariff Landscape
Here are key steps to ensure compliance in the Trump tariff era:
- Audit your tariff codes – Review all product classifications with a customs expert. Codes assigned years ago may no longer be optimal.
- Calculate total landed costs – Include all tariffs, duties, and fees in your pricing. Surprise costs kill customer relationships.
- Automate documentation – Use shipping software that auto-generates accurate CN23 forms with the correct HS codes.
- Monitor policy changes – Tariff rates and regulations change frequently. Subscribe to customs authority updates.
- Consider origin optimization – Evaluate alternative sourcing or manufacturing locations to minimize tariff impact.
- Use Free Trade Agreements – Check if your products qualify for reduced rates under existing trade agreements.
The Real Cost of Getting It Wrong
Consider this example: A European electronics retailer ships €10,000 worth of consumer electronics to the US. With the wrong HS code, they might face:
- 25% tariff instead of 0% = €2,500 unexpected cost
- 3-week customs delay = lost sales and unhappy customers
- Return shipping if rejected = another €500+
That's potentially €3,000+ lost on a single shipment – and reputational damage that's harder to measure.
Simplify Tariff Management with the Right Tools
Managing tariff codes and customs documentation manually is time-consuming and error-prone. Modern delivery management solutions can:
- Automatically apply correct tariff codes based on product data
- Generate compliant CN23 documentation for every international shipment
- Calculate landed costs including all duties and taxes
- Flag potential compliance issues before shipping
- Keep tariff databases updated with the latest rates
In the new era of Trump tariffs, having the right technology partner isn't just convenient – it's essential for staying competitive in international trade.