Get started with Classify

Available in Dashboard or via API, Zonos Classify, patent pending, is an AI-based automated classification solution that uses algorithms and statistical models to learn and improve over time.

How it works 

Classify is an automated Harmonized System (HS) code classification tool that uses the power of AI to provide accurate and efficient results. It is powered by a state-of-the-art multimodal AI system that uses advanced algorithms and statistical models to constantly learn and improve over time.

With the integration of billions of training records, a proprietary cutting-edge multimodal AI system, and architectural improvements for hyper-fast organization-specific refinement, Classify is designed to quickly provide accurate results.

Classify's AI is based on a generative pre-trained language model that uses deep learning to produce text similar to that written by humans. Classify uses this respective machine learning model coupled with a Zonos fine-tuned model, which includes over half a million manually classified labels, resulting in out of the box accuracy rates of over 90%.

This approach allows Classify to deliver high caliber results, ensuring you confidence in its results to generate accurate landed cost calculations, stay compliant, and ensure smooth customs clearances.

Classify’s robust technology uses the following artificial intelligence (AI) and human expertise capabilities while following the WCO’s general rules of interpretation (GRIs) to generate HS codes:

• Machine learning is powered by a cutting-edge multimodal AI system that uses algorithms and statistical models to learn and enhance results.
• Natural language processing (NLP) breaks down compound words, parts of speech accented more than others, and nouns preceded by adjectives; boosts the last noun in the phrase, etc.
• Advanced image recognition utilizes item image URL data.
• Normalization removes diacritics, manages punctuation, and splits combined words.
• Typo tolerance allows for results with misspellings.
• Language translation auto-detects the input language.
• Store-level customization allows merchants to set restrictions and categorize their products at the category and subcategory levels to increase accuracy.

Get started 

If you have access to Dashboard, you can test Classify with 1,000 free classifications using as little as a product description. If you're a Zonos Platform user, you get 10,000 classificaitons per year in Dashboard. If you don’t have access to Dashboard or if you’ve already used your 1,000 or 10,000 (depending on your tier) classifications and would like to upgrade, contact Zonos.

Classify will return an HS code with just an product name. However, the more product details you provide, the more accurate your result will be. Learn about best practices for Classify input fields.

By default, Classify returns a universal (6-digit) HS code if a destination country is not provided in the request. Universal codes are used by all WCO member countries; however, we recommend using country-specific codes for improved restricted item management, reduced tax rates, preferential duty rates, and a more accurate and smooth customs clearance experience. To request a country-specific (8+ digit) classification, provide a destination country in your request. Learn more about the differences between universal and country-specific HS codes.

HS codes 

Classify uses the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized Schedule (HS) codes and tariff schedule descriptions to match product input fields with HS codes.

Depending on whether or not a destination country is provided, Classify will return a universal or country-specific HS code and schedule descriptions for each HS code level. For example, if you request a country-specific HS code, Classify will return the WCO tariff schedule description for the chapter, heading, subheading, and tariff level codes.

Schedule Description for Taiwan HS Code 3004.31.00003

Classify currently only supports country import codes and does not support export codes such as the United States Census Bureau's Schedule B codes.

Display names 

The WCO descriptions outlined above can oftentimes be wordy, technical, and even misleading. For example, the WCO schedule description for chapter 84 is "Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof" whereas the Zonos cleansed display name for this chapter is simplified and clarified to "Tools, machinery, computers, and data processing units".

To make it easier for Classify users to understand and utilize HS code descriptions, Zonos has manually added cleansed display names, which are provided in your Classify response depending on your Classify tier.

These display names are a more simplified and user-friendly option to the standard WCO tariff schedule descriptions. They are designed to be easier to read and understand, making them a valuable tool for businesses that utilize HS code descriptions regularly.

Display names are included in all Classify responses, Dashboard or API, for Classify Advanced and Premium users.

Input fields 

While only a description is required to generate a classification, the more info you provide the more accurate your classification will be. Correctly formatting and inputting product information is critical for precise classifications. Below is a comprehensive explanation of each input field accepted by Classify. By understanding these input fields, you can maximize their usage and generate highly accurate classifications.

Supported languages 

Classify supports 136 languages, including 50 natively supported ones, which cover over 95% of active internet users. If the classification input is in one of these 50 languages, the classification is done without the need for translation. However, for other languages, you can specify the source language code, and Zonos will handle translation before classification.

There are no additional costs for using the natively supported or translated languages.