Get started with Classify

Zonos Classify is a patent-pending AI-based automated classification solution that is available in the Dashboard or via API. It continuously learns and improves using advanced algorithms and statistical models.

How it works 

Classify is an AI-powered tool for fast, accurate, and compliant Harmonized System (HS) code classification. It processes various types of input—such as product names, descriptions, categories, materials, and images—using machine learning algorithms that improve with continuous data. This allows businesses to automate their HS code classifications efficiently.

Classify’s AI engine leverages natural language processing (NLP) to analyze product descriptions, identifying key elements like nouns and adjectives to ensure accurate classification, even for complex product names. The system also uses image recognition to refine classifications based on available visual data.

To ensure Classify remains current, Zonos regularly updates tariff schedules for nearly 200 supported countries as changes are published by respective governments. Additionally, daily ingestion of U.S. Customs' CROSS rulings helps ensure that Classify stays aligned with evolving case law. These continuous updates enhance Classify’s accuracy and keep it aligned with the latest regulatory standards.

To further improve accuracy, Classify normalizes inputs by managing special characters, punctuation, and diacritics, and its typo tolerance corrects misspellings in product descriptions. It supports automatic language translation, classifying products in multiple languages without manual adjustments.

Classify achieves over 90% accuracy out of the box, supported by over half a million manually classified labels and constantly refreshed data. These trusted data sources ensure reliable results across a wide range of product categories, with continuous learning to refine the model.

Note: Classify currently supports country import codes only. It does not handle export codes such as the U.S. Census Bureau's Schedule B codes.

Training sources

Classify leverages several authoritative data sources to ensure accuracy and compliance:

• Manual classification data: Over half a million labeled examples help the model handle complex scenarios.
• Customs feedback: Insights from Zonos Landed Cost Guarantee (LCG) shipments and customs actions on international orders provide valuable feedback to refine Classify’s model.
• Continuous sampling: Low-confidence classifications are improved over time through ongoing sampling and data-driven refinements.

These high-quality data sources, along with daily updates and customs insights, ensure Classify remains aligned with global trade regulations and delivers consistent, reliable classifications.

Get started 

Classify uses the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized Schedule (HS) codes to match product input fields with the appropriate HS codes. By default, Classify returns a 6-digit universal HS code recognized by all WCO member countries.

If a destination country is provided, Classify will return a country-specific HS code, including WCO tariff schedule descriptions for each HS code level (chapter, heading, subheading, and tariff level). Providing a country-specific code improves accuracy and offers benefits like preferential duty rates, smoother customs clearance, and improved restricted item management.

If you have access to the Zonos Dashboard, you can test Classify with 1,000 free classifications, or 10,000 annually if you're a Zonos Platform user. If you've exceeded your free allotment, contact Zonos to upgrade. For the most accurate results, provide detailed product information and follow best practices for Classify input fields.

Integrate 

Seamlessly integrate Checkout. Follow the steps below to begin the integration process:

1. Get started: Start by completing our sign-up form. Onboarding will commence once your account agreement is in place.
2. Onboarding: Within 24 hours of signing up, a dedicated onboarding representative will contact you to kick off a tailored integration process.
3. Go live: Once you are satisfied with your setup, you can beginning using Classify in Dashboard and via API.

Display names 

The WCO descriptions for HS codes are often wordy, technical, and sometimes misleading. For example, the WCO description for chapter 84 is "Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof," whereas Zonos simplifies it to "Tools, machinery, computers, and data processing units."

To make HS code descriptions more accessible, Zonos has added simplified display names, which are provided in your Classify response based on your Classify tier. These cleansed display names are designed to be more user-friendly than the standard WCO descriptions, making them easier to read and understand for businesses that use HS code descriptions regularly.

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

Language support 

Classify supports 136 languages, including 50 languages supported natively, covering over 95% of active internet users. If the classification input is in one of these 50 languages, there is no need for translation. However, you can specify the source language code for the other non-native languages, and Zonos will handle translation before classification.

There are no additional costs for languages needing translation.

Supported languages