shippinglogistics_skill

Overview

This skill provides expert guidance on UK, US, and Canadian shipping, logistics, customs, duties, and tariffs with focused automotive commodity code expertise. It helps classify HS/HTS/commodity codes, evaluate rules of origin and FTAs, calculate landed costs, and advise on documentation and import/export processes. Use it for practical, compliance-minded trade decisions across automotive supply chains.

How this skill works

When you ask about classification, duties, origin, FTAs, or landed cost, the skill analyzes tariff schedules (UKGT, HTS, CBSA) and automotive-relevant chapters to produce actionable guidance. For all tariff, origin, duty, FTA eligibility, import/export strategy, and landed cost queries it always returns two perspectives: a conservative compliance-focused view and an aggressive, optimisation-focused view, followed by a tailored recommendation explaining which approach fits your situation. Documentation and procedural answers are given as clear, checklist-style steps.

When to use it

• You need HS/HTS/commodity code classification for automotive parts or vehicles
• You want to determine FTA eligibility (CUSMA/USMCA, UK-EU TCA, UK-Canada, CPTPP)
• You need landed cost calculations including duty, VAT/GST, brokerage, and freight
• You are preparing import/export documentation, supplier declarations, or C/O forms
• You must assess rules of origin, RVC calculations, or origin certification
• You want strategies for duty reliefs, FTZs, bonded warehouses, or drawback

Best practices

• Always document supplier declarations, bills of materials, and manufacturing processes before claiming preferences
• Obtain binding rulings for ambiguous tariff classifications when value or risk is material
• Run dual-scenario landed cost models (conservative vs aggressive) before tendering contracts
• Use long-term supplier declarations and retain proof of origin paperwork for audit readiness
• Factor special tariffs (Section 301/232/steel surtaxes) and local taxes into pricing early

Example use cases

• Classify a batch of engine components and decide whether to request a binding ruling
• Calculate landed cost for an EU shipment to the UK under TCA vs MFN and recommend which approach to claim
• Assess whether a parts shipment qualifies under CUSMA and compute RVC by transaction or net cost method
• Advise on documentation checklist for DDP vs FCA Incoterms and who is responsible for customs clearance
• Design a duty-mitigation plan using bonded warehousing and duty drawback for re-exported components