Item Descriptions Are the First Line of Defense in Avoiding Tariffs

In Today’s Trade Climate, Vague Descriptions Could Be Costing You

With U.S. trade regulations tightening, importers are under more scrutiny than ever—especially when it comes to product classification and tariff compliance. One of the most overlooked risk factors? How you describe your goods.

Many importers assume that once a shipment clears customs, all is well. But in today’s environment, that assumption can be dangerous. Customs can reclassify goods long after clearance, which means vague or generic item descriptions could trigger retroactive duties, audits, or even penalties.

At the center of this issue is a surprisingly simple detail: the language you use on your commercial invoice or packing list.

Why CBP Is Paying Closer Attention to Product Descriptions

With ongoing enforcement of Section 301 tariffs (focused on Chinese imports) and Section 232 tariffs (covering steel and aluminum), the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is demanding stricter documentation standards from importers.

The Biden administration has extended many tariff provisions through 2025—and is actively reviewing their economic impact. That signals a continued, and possibly more aggressive, enforcement push.

And CBP has made it clear: vague item descriptions are no longer acceptable. They’ve become one of the top triggers for misclassification and delayed clearance.

What Counts as “Vague”?

Generic item names like:

“Apparel”
“Electronic parts”
“Plastic items”

…aren’t specific enough to meet CBP expectations.

Let’s say you list your shipment as “shirts.” That might’ve worked a few years ago—but not now.

CBP wants to know:

Is it knit or woven?
Is it 100% cotton or a polyester blend?
Are they men’s or women’s sizes?
Does the product include any trims or embellishments?

These are not throwaway details. They directly affect the HTS code, duty rate, and whether the item is subject to additional tariffs under Sections 301 or 232.

How to Create Compliant Item Descriptions (and Avoid Risk)

A detailed, accurate product description is your best defense against misclassification and delays. Based on CBP guidance and our direct experience with high-compliance clients, here’s what you should always include:

Key Elements of an Accurate Item Description:

Material composition (e.g., stainless steel, ABS plastic, 100% cotton)
Physical characteristics (e.g., voltage, size, knit vs. woven)
Function or intended use
Packaging details (e.g., bulk, retail-ready, palletized)
Model, part, or SKU numbers (if applicable)
Country of origin (always required for classification and labeling)

This level of specificity doesn’t just help with customs clearance—it dramatically reduces your exposure to audits, reclassifications, and retroactive duties.

What Common Documentation Mistakes Raise Red Flags?

CBP regularly releases Informed Compliance Publications highlighting frequent importer mistakes. Here are some of the most common issues we see:

Using legacy HTS codes that are outdated or no longer valid
Copying product descriptions directly from supplier invoices without review
Reusing boilerplate descriptions across unrelated SKUs
Leaving out critical details like material breakdown or end-use

Each of these may seem like a small oversight—but to CBP, they signal a lack of internal compliance controls. And that’s a risk no importer can afford in 2025.

Why Partnering With a Compliance-First Forwarder Matters

At Dedola Global Logistics, we’ve helped importers navigate shifting tariff rules and documentation challenges for nearly 50 years. As a licensed NVOCC and experienced freight forwarder, we go beyond moving containers—we help clients stay ahead of compliance issues that can derail shipments.

Here’s how we help:

Pre-shipment documentation and item description reviews
Expert HTS classification support
Supplier communication to verify material specs and product use
Real-time visibility and compliance oversight from origin to delivery

When you work with Dedola, you’re not just avoiding customs problems—you’re building a smarter, more resilient supply chain.

Want to Improve Your Documentation Before It Becomes a Problem?

Trade regulations are here to stay—and they’re only becoming more complex. If you’re concerned that your item descriptions may not meet today’s compliance standards, it’s better to catch it early.

We offer free documentation audits for active clients to flag risks, verify HTS accuracy, and improve item descriptions before shipments hit a bottleneck.

Let’s make sure your goods are properly classified, your duties are fair, and your shipments move without delay.

WATCH: How DGL Saves You Money with Buyer’s Consolidation (YouTube video)