TLDR:
Customs procedures require additional information such as a product description and HTS code when ordering globally sourced parts for delivery in the US.
When you order globally sourced parts from Protolabs Network, your order is subject to customs regulations which vary by location. To import any type of internationally manufactured product into the United States, customs procedures require classifying the item according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
To comply with the customs regulations and ensure the smooth delivery of your parts, we ask you to provide a description of the end-use of your product, and the HTS code if you know it, when you place your order. The US International Trade Commission allows you to search for HTS codes by entering keywords about the product and industry.
What are HTS codes?
The HTS classifies products for trade, which helps customs authorities apply tariffs and trade regulations to products shipped into the US. HTS codes are 10-digit numbers that categorize all types of products imported into the US, based on the international Harmonized System.
For example, HTS code 4016.99.60.10 refers to mechanical articles of volcanized rubber for motor vehicles.
Find out more about the international Harmonized System.
Prototyping or production?
As part of our quoting process, we will ask you to indicate whether all parts in your order are intended for prototyping or production purposes.
Prototype parts may be used exclusively for development, testing, product evaluation, or quality control purposes. Select this option if your order contains only prototype parts.
Alternatively, select “production parts” if ordering parts for commercial production, or parts intended for sale. For production parts, please complete the following information so that we can efficiently ship your order.
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A brief description of the intended use of each part
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The name of the final assembled product
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HTS codes (if you know them)
Do Protolabs Network’s prices include customs and tariffs?
To make ordering as simple as possible, our prices always include customs clearance fees for customers in the European Union, United Kingdom and United States. In all other countries, customers are responsible for import customs clearance and associated duty fees and taxes.
Why does Protolabs Network need to know the intended use of my part?
As a manufacturing network, we produce parts used in a wide variety of applications across many different industries. Because we manufacture on behalf of companies, we don’t always have insight into how each part will be used. So that we can correctly classify your order and ship it to you efficiently, we ask for HTS codes and/or a description of the product. Proprietary information is not required.
Where can I find out more?
The US International Trade Commission explains more about the HTS and how products are classified. For further assistance with how to classify your products, contact your company’s trade or logistics department, or contact a customs broker.
See our FAQs about manufacturing with Protolabs Network including shipping information.