The evolution of Classify

Improvements in Classify 3.0

Previous version of Classify

Prior to Classify 3.0, Classify incorporated a multimodal AI system to meet the needs of specialty retailers, marketplaces, posts, and express carriers with broader catalogs. Zonos invested heavily in growing and curating the hand-classified training catalog for the release of Classify 3.0, which is a fully AI-based solution that dramatically increases accuracy, faster response times, and higher overall throughput.

Classify 3.0

Classify 3.0 provides nearly 60% improvement in agreement rate with humans and decreased single classification response times by 58%, with throughput increased by 9x. Examples show that the accuracy rate of Zonos Classify 3.0 outperforms human classification and alternate classification providers.

Accuracy improvement examples

How do the above-mentioned improvements manifest themselves? Let’s take a look at a few examples comparing accurate human classifications with an alternate classification tool and all three Classify versions.

Examples of vague descriptions classified by an alternate provider vs. Classify 3.0

Example 1: Item to be classified – “Drink”

Correct HS code: 2202.99 (Other drinks)

Automated classification tools

• Alternate classification provider classified this as 6911.10 (Tableware and kitchenware).
  • This classification is incorrect.
• Classify 3.0 classified this as 2202.99 (Other drinks).
  • This is the correct code.

Example 2: Item to be classified – “Sport memorabilia”

Correct HS code: 9506.99 (Sports equipment)

Automated classification tools

• Alternate classification provider classified this as 4820.50 (Photo album).
  • This is not the correct classification.
• Classify 3.0 classified this as 9506.99 (Sports equipment).
  • This is the correct code.

Examples of detailed descriptions classified by an alternate provider, Classify 2.0, and classify 3.0

Example 1: Item to be classified – “LIQUOR GLASSES 25ML”

Correct HS code: 7013.22 (Drinking glasses, stemware, of lead crystal)

Automated classification tools

• Alternate classification provider classified this as 2501.00 (Salt).
  • This is very far from the correct classification.
• Previous version of Classify classified this as 7010.90 (glass flasks, vials, etc).
  • This is arguably a step closer, given these are used to hold liquids, but still not the right code.
• Classify 3.0 classified this as 7013.22 (Drinking glasses, stemware, of lead crystal).
  • This is the correct code.

Example 2: Item to be classified – “PRINTING ROLLER – C505486 SIZE: 1350*1100 MM”

Correct HS code: 8442.50 (Plates, cylinders, and other printing components)

Automated classification tools

• Alternate classification provider classified this as 6114.30 (Other garments, knitted or crocheted: Of man-made fibers).
  • This is very far from the correct code.
• Previous version of Classify classified this as 8443.99 (Printer parts for printers without plates and cylinders).
  • While not the subheading that was picked by one human classifier, there does not appear to be enough information to definitively say whether this is correct or not.
• Classify 3.0 classified this as 8442.50 (Plates, cylinders, and other printing components).
  • This is the correct code.

Example 3: Item to be classified – “BRITISH ISLES HONEY ESPRESSO NAPOLEON SIDE CHAIR SET OF 2”

Correct HS code: 9401.69 (Non-upholstered chairs with wooden frames)

Automated classification tools

• Alternate classification provider classified this as 9503.00 (Toys).
  • This is far from accurate.
• Previous version of Classify classified this as 9401.61 (Upholstered chairs with wooden frames).
  • This is close, but there is nothing indicating this is upholstered.
• Classify 3.0 classified this as 9401.69 (Non-upholstered chairs with wooden frames).
  • Bingo! This code is accurate.

What else is coming?

Zonos also plans to open up access to Describe, its AI-generated customs description engine, and a major integration between Classify and Zonos Landed Cost. The integration will provide accurate and real-time HS codes to streamline and power landed cost calculations, making it easier for retailers to calculate duties, taxes, and fees accurately.