Introduction to TariffBase
Welcome to TariffBase -- the affordable, self-service platform that puts professional tariff data and trade intelligence at your fingertips. Whether you are an e-commerce importer, a small manufacturer, a freight forwarder, or a trade compliance professional, TariffBase gives you the tools you need to look up customs duties, classify products, and stay ahead of policy changes -- without expensive consultants or enterprise-grade subscriptions.
What Is TariffBase?
TariffBase is a web-based platform designed specifically for small and medium businesses (SMEs) involved in international trade. It combines two pillars of functionality:
- Tariff Tools -- operational features for day-to-day trade work, including tariff rate lookups, schedule browsing, AI-assisted HS code classification, and a REST API for system integration.
- Tariff Intelligence -- strategic features that help you monitor the global trade landscape, including curated news, a regulatory tracker, daily summaries, and expert reports.
Together, these capabilities replace the patchwork of costly consultants, outdated spreadsheets, and scattered government websites that many SMEs rely on today.
Market Coverage
TariffBase currently covers the tariff information of the three largest trading markets:
| Market | Description |
|---|---|
| United States | HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) including Section 301, IEEPA, safeguard, and other additional duties |
| European Union | TARIC-based schedule covering all 27 member states, including preferential agreements |
| China | National tariff schedule including MFN rates, provisional rates, and retaliatory measures |
These three markets collectively account for approximately 43% of global imports, covering the trade corridors that matter most to SMEs.
Data Quality & Sources
All tariff data in TariffBase is sourced exclusively from official government and customs authority publications. We never rely on third-party aggregators or unverified databases. Our data pipeline ensures:
- Authenticity -- every rate, regime, and effective date traces back to an official source document.
- Timeliness -- our team processes updates promptly, with fast turnaround for major tariff actions such as new executive orders or retaliatory measures.
- Consistency -- data from different countries is harmonized into a unified format, making it easy to compare and analyze across markets while preserving all original source details.
- Human verification -- automated collection is complemented by manual quality checks to ensure accuracy.
For more details, see the Data Sources & Coverage reference page.
Platform Overview
Tariff Tools
These are the hands-on features you will use in your daily trade operations:
- Tariff Search -- Enter a destination country, origin country, and product code to retrieve all applicable tariff rates, including MFN duties, preferential rates, and additional measures such as Section 301 tariffs. Results include effective dates and source references.
- Tariff Schedule -- Browse the complete national tariff schedules of the US, EU, and China in a standardized, easy-to-navigate format. Compare structures across markets without switching between government websites.
- HS Finder -- Describe your product in plain language and let our AI-powered classification engine suggest the most likely HS codes, complete with a structured reasoning report and HS code hierarchy.
- Tariff API -- Integrate TariffBase data directly into your ERP, customs, or supply chain systems through a RESTful API with JSON responses. Available on the Professional plan.
Tariff Intelligence
These features provide the strategic context you need to anticipate and respond to trade policy changes:
- Tariff News -- A curated feed of tariff-related articles from credible sources, updated regularly, focused on policy shifts, trade measures, and market implications.
- Daily Summary -- A concise daily briefing on the most important trade developments, available on the platform and as a newsletter.
- Regulatory Tracker -- An interactive timeline and structured database of tariff actions, retaliations, and policy changes, with effective dates, affected products, and source references.
- Reports & Insights -- A curated library of expert analysis, research papers, and commentary from academics, think tanks, and trade specialists.
Who Is TariffBase For?
TariffBase is built for professionals and businesses that deal with international trade but may not have dedicated customs compliance teams:
- E-commerce importers sourcing products from overseas suppliers
- Small manufacturers and exporters shipping goods to the US, EU, or China
- Distributors and wholesalers managing multi-country supply chains
- Freight forwarders and logistics providers advising clients on landed costs
- Trade compliance professionals at SMEs who need quick, reliable tariff lookups
- Researchers and policy analysts tracking trade policy developments
How to Use This Documentation
This documentation is organized into the following sections to help you find what you need quickly:
| Section | What You Will Find |
|---|---|
| Getting Started | Account setup, free trial activation, platform orientation, and dashboard overview |
| Tariff Tools | Step-by-step guides for Tariff Search, Schedule Browser, HS Finder, and the API |
| Tariff Intelligence | How to use the News feed, Regulatory Tracker, and Reports & Insights |
| Account & Subscriptions | Managing your profile, subscription plans, billing, and payments |
| Reference | Tariff glossary, data sources & coverage details, and frequently asked questions |
Tip: If you are new to TariffBase, start with the Quickstart Guide to get up and running in minutes, then explore individual tool guides as needed.
Getting Help
If you need assistance at any point:
- Browse this documentation using the sidebar navigation or the search bar.
- Contact our support team with Contact Form.
- Visit the FAQ for answers to common questions.