Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about TariffBase, its features, data, subscriptions, and billing.

General Questions

What is TariffBase?

TariffBase is a web-based platform that provides professional tariff data and trade intelligence for small and medium businesses. It combines operational tools (tariff search, schedule browsing, HS code classification, and API access) with strategic intelligence (trade news, regulatory tracking, and expert reports) in one affordable platform.

Who is TariffBase designed for?

TariffBase is built for anyone involved in international trade who needs quick, reliable access to tariff data -- including e-commerce importers, small manufacturers, exporters, distributors, freight forwarders, trade compliance professionals, and researchers.

Which countries does TariffBase cover?

TariffBase currently covers the United States, the European Union (all 27 member states), and China. These three markets account for approximately 43% of global imports.

Where does the data come from?

All tariff data is sourced exclusively from official government customs authorities. We do not use third-party aggregators. For more details, see Data Sources & Coverage.

How often is the data updated?

Data is updated regularly, with additional updates for major tariff actions (e.g., new trade measures or executive orders). Annual tariff schedule revisions are processed as each country publishes its new schedule. See Data Sources & Coverage for details on update frequency.

Account & Access

How do I create an account?

Visit tariffbase.io, click Sign Up, enter your email and password, and confirm your email address. Your account will be active immediately.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. All new accounts receive a 10-day free trial with access to core features including Tariff Search, Schedule Browser, and Tariff News. No credit card is required to start the trial.

Can I use the free trial more than once?

No. The free trial is a one-time offer per account. Once your trial period ends, you will need to subscribe to a paid plan to continue using the platform.

What happens when my free trial expires?

When the trial period ends, you will be prompted to choose a subscription plan. Your account remains active, but access to platform features is restricted until you subscribe.

How do I log in?

Go to tariffbase.io and click Log In. Enter the email and password you used during registration.

Can I change my email address?

For security reasons, email changes cannot be made through the self-service settings. Contact support@tariffbase.io to request an email change.

Subscription & Billing

What subscription plans are available?

TariffBase offers three paid plan families:

• Tariff Standard -- Tariff Search, Schedule Browser, News, Regulatory Tracker, Reports
• Classification Standard -- HS Finder, News, Regulatory Tracker, Reports
• Professional -- All features from both Standard plans plus API access

All paid plans are available in monthly and annual billing. Annual plans save 20%.

What is the difference between Tariff Standard and Classification Standard?

Tariff Standard focuses on tariff rate lookup and schedule browsing -- ideal for importers and exporters who need to check duty rates. Classification Standard focuses on HS code classification using the AI-powered HS Finder -- ideal for businesses that need to classify products. If you need both, the Professional plan includes all features.

Can I switch between plans?

Some transitions are allowed and others are restricted:

• Upgrades (e.g., Standard to Professional) are allowed at any time with prorated billing.
• Cross-track switches (e.g., Tariff Standard to Classification Standard) are not allowed. Choose the Professional plan for access to both.
• Downgrades (e.g., Professional to Standard) are not supported.
• See the Subscription & Payment page for the complete switching rules.

How does billing work?

Payments are processed securely through Stripe. When you select a plan, you are redirected to a Stripe checkout page to enter your payment details. TariffBase does not store your credit card information.

Can I get a refund?

When you cancel your subscription, you retain access until the end of the current billing period. No partial refund is issued. We recommend using the free trial to evaluate the platform before subscribing.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Go to Account Settings and click Cancel Subscription. Confirm the cancellation when prompted. Your access will continue until the end of the current billing period.

Where can I find my invoices?

Click Manage Billing in your Account Settings to access the Stripe billing portal, where you can view and download all past invoices as PDF files.

Tariff Tools

How do I look up tariff rates?

Use the Tariff Search tool. Select a destination country, an origin country, and enter a product HS code. The system returns all applicable tariff rates, including MFN duties, preferential rates, and additional measures. See the Search guide for detailed instructions.

What does "duty stacking" mean?

Duty stacking occurs when multiple tariff regimes apply to the same product simultaneously. For example, a product imported into the US from China might face a base MFN rate plus a Section 301 additional tariff plus an IEEPA surcharge. TariffBase shows all components and the stacked total so you can see the full duty burden.

What is the HS Finder?

The HS Finder is an AI-assisted tool that helps you identify the correct HS code for your product based on a plain-language description. It provides a structured classification report with reasoning and recommended codes. See the HS Finder guide for details.

Is the HS Finder classification legally binding?

No. The HS Finder provides suggested classifications to support your decision-making. It is not a legally binding ruling. For binding classifications, consult your national customs authority's ruling process or a licensed customs broker.

Does TariffBase include VAT or GST?

No. TariffBase covers customs duties only. Value-added tax (VAT), goods and services tax (GST), and other domestic consumption taxes are not included.

What HS code formats are supported?

You can search using codes at any level of specificity:

• 4-digit headings (e.g., 8703) -- returns all subheadings
• 6-digit subheadings (e.g., 870380) -- the international HS level
• 8 or 10-digit national codes (e.g., 8703800000) -- the most specific level

How do I access the API?

The API is available on the Professional plan. Navigate to the API section in your dashboard to find your API token and documentation. See the API guide for integration instructions.

Tariff Intelligence

What is the Regulatory Tracker?

The Regulatory Tracker is an interactive timeline and structured database of tariff actions, retaliations, and policy changes. Each entry includes effective dates, affected products, trade values, and links to official source documents. See the Regulatory Tracker guide.

How is Tariff News different from the Daily Summary?

Tariff News is the full feed of curated articles from credible sources, updated throughout the day. The Daily Summary is a concise briefing that highlights the most important developments from the past 24-48 hours -- designed for a quick morning read.

Can I receive the Daily Summary by email?

Yes. You can enable the Daily Summary newsletter in your Account Settings. You can unsubscribe at any time through the account settings or the unsubscribe link in any newsletter email.

Data & Accuracy

How accurate is TariffBase data?

TariffBase data is sourced from official government customs authorities and verified through a combination of automated validation and human review. While we strive for the highest accuracy, tariff data is complex and subject to frequent changes. We recommend cross-referencing with official sources for critical compliance decisions.

What should I do if I find an error?

Contact support@tariffbase.io with the specific tariff code, country, and the discrepancy you observed. Our data team will investigate and correct any confirmed errors promptly.

Can I use TariffBase data for legal or compliance purposes?

TariffBase data is provided for informational and decision-support purposes. It is designed to help you make informed trade decisions, but it is not a substitute for official customs rulings, legal advice, or professional customs brokerage services.

Security & Privacy

How is my data protected?

TariffBase operates under Swiss law and follows GDPR-compliant data protection practices. Your account information is stored securely, and all payment processing is handled by Stripe (PCI DSS Level 1 compliant). TariffBase does not store your credit card details.

Is my search history private?

Yes. Your search queries, HS Finder classifications, and other activity data are associated with your account and are not shared with other users or third parties.

Support

How do I contact support?

Email us at support@tariffbase.io. We aim to respond to all inquiries within one business day.

Is there a user community or forum?

Not currently. If you have feature suggestions or feedback, please share them with our support team.