Binding ruling · 19 CFR Part 177
Get CBP's classification in writing: binding ruling request
A binding ruling is CBP's written answer to a question about goods that you plan to import. Every CBP office must follow it. It settles your classification before the first entry.
The basics
What is a binding ruling?
A ruling is a written statement from CBP that applies the customs laws to a specific set of facts (19 CFR 177.1(d)). Most rulings answer a tariff classification question: which HTS number applies to a product. CBP also issues rulings on value, country of origin, marking and other issues.
A ruling is binding on all CBP personnel until CBP modifies or revokes it (19 CFR 177.9(a)). A classification ruling applies only to goods identical to the sample or to the description in the ruling (19 CFR 177.9(b)(2)).
CBP issues rulings only for prospective transactions: goods that have not arrived or been entered (19 CFR 177.1(a)). It does not rule on completed transactions, on hypothetical questions, or on issues pending before the Court of International Trade (19 CFR 177.7).
Oral advice from a CBP officer is not binding (19 CFR 177.1(b)). Published rulings are searchable in CROSS, the Customs Rulings Online Search System, at rulings.cbp.gov.
Search CROSS before you ask.
CROSS often has a ruling on the same or a similar product. Another company's ruling does not bind CBP for your goods (19 CFR 177.9(c)), but it shows how CBP reads the tariff. If the answer is clear from CROSS, you may not need a ruling.
Deadline
How long does a binding ruling take?
| Event | Time limit | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Request filed through eRulings | Email acknowledgment with a control number within one business day | CBP eRuling requirements |
| Classification ruling from the National Commodity Specialist Division | Generally within 30 calendar days of receipt | CBP eRuling requirements |
| Request referred to CBP Headquarters | Issued within 90 days of receipt | CBP eRuling requirements |
| CBP denies your request for confidential treatment | You can withdraw the request within 10 working days of the notice | 19 CFR 177.8(a)(3) |
| CBP modifies or revokes a ruling in effect 60 days or more | Public notice and 30 days for comments; the change applies 60 days after the final notice | 19 CFR 177.12 |
Risk
What happens if I import without a ruling?
You and your broker classify the goods with reasonable care, and CBP can disagree later. The usual signs are a CF-28 or a CF-29 on an entry after import.
If CBP decides that the classification was not correct, it can bill the extra duty on the unliquidated entries. If the error repeats on many entries, a penalty under 19 U.S.C. 1592 is possible.
For goods with high duty rates, or with Chapter 99 duties that depend on the classification, an error is expensive. A ruling settles the question first.
Checklist
What do we need from you?
A full description of the product
What it is, what it does, and its commercial, common or technical name.
Materials and their share
For goods of two or more materials: the relative quantity by weight and by volume, and the value of each.
The chief use in the United States
Who buys it and what they use it for.
Photos, drawings or a sample
CBP asks for a sample whenever possible. A sample can be damaged or used up in tests.
Lab analysis
For chemical products or mixtures, if the manufacturer has one.
Price and parties
Purchase price, approximate U.S. selling price, the names of the seller and manufacturer, and the port of entry.
Anything confidential
Mark it and tell us why. CBP publishes rulings unless you ask for confidential treatment with reasons (19 CFR 177.2(b)(7)).
Process
How do we handle it?
- YouBefore the first shipment
Tell us about the product
Send the specification sheet, photos and a short description. Tell us the HTS number that you expect.
- Allied
We search CROSS and the tariff
We check existing rulings and the tariff text. If the answer is clear, we tell you and you may not need a ruling.
- Allied
We draft the request
We write the description, the materials breakdown, the proposed classification and the reasons, with the supporting rulings.
- You
You check the facts and sign
The ruling is only as good as the facts in the request. You confirm them. You can name Allied as the party to receive the ruling.
- Allied
We file through eRulings
We submit the request to the National Commodity Specialist Division through the eRulings template and send the sample if CBP needs one.
- Allied
We apply the ruling to your entries
When the ruling arrives, we use its classification on your entries and cite the ruling number, as 19 CFR 177.8(a)(2) requires.
Price
What does it cost?
$200 flat fee per filing. The $200 flat fee covers one ruling request. CBP allows up to five items of the same class or kind in one request. Valuation, origin and Headquarters requests are quoted before we start.
For many entries or a large penalty, we quote the fee before we start. Duty, interest, fees and penalties owed to CBP are separate and are not part of our fee.
We confirm the fee and the scope in writing before we start.
Questions
What else should I know?
Who can request a binding ruling?
Any person with a direct and demonstrable interest in the question, such as an importer or exporter, or its authorized agent (19 CFR 177.1(c)). A customs broker can file the request for you.
Can I get a ruling for goods that already arrived?
No. CBP does not issue rulings on completed transactions or on goods already before a CBP office (19 CFR 177.1(a)). For a question on a current entry, you can ask the port to request internal advice from CBP Headquarters (19 CFR 177.11).
Do I have to use the ruling once I have it?
Yes. You must use the classification in the ruling on later entries of the same goods and indicate the ruling with the entry. If you do not, CBP can reject the entry and assess penalties (19 CFR 177.8(a)(2)).
Is my ruling public?
Yes. CBP publishes rulings, including names and business details. To keep information confidential, you must ask for it and give the reasons (19 CFR 177.2(b)(7) and 177.8(a)(3)). If CBP denies the request, you can withdraw the ruling request within 10 working days.
What if I disagree with the ruling?
You can ask CBP Headquarters to review a ruling from the National Commodity Specialist Division (19 CFR 177.2(b)(2)(ii)(C)). We tell you if new facts or arguments support a review.
Can CBP change a ruling later?
Yes. CBP can modify or revoke a ruling. For a ruling in effect 60 days or more, CBP must first publish a notice in the Customs Bulletin and allow 30 days for comments. The change applies to entries 60 days after the final notice (19 CFR 177.12).
Can one request cover several products?
Up to five items, and all five must be of the same class or kind. Different products need separate requests.
Request: Binding ruling request
$200 flat fee
Another CBP notice or problem? See all post-entry problems and their deadlines.
Planning a new product? Ask for a ruling first.
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.