About Import8

Import8 is a purpose-built AI customs classification tool for EU importers, brokers, and e-commerce platforms. Benchmarked at 91% Express-mode accuracy on 283 EBTI rulings, with transparent reasoning on every classification.

The HS Code Classification Challenge

Every product crossing the EU border needs a correct HS (Harmonized System) code. With over 16,000 possible codes in the EU customs nomenclature, finding the right one is time-consuming and error-prone. A wrong HS code means overpaying duties, shipment delays, or compliance violations.

Customs brokers spend hours on manual classification. E-commerce platforms with thousands of products struggle to classify at scale. Existing customs classification tools are either text-only (missing visual context), expensive, or inaccurate.

Our AI Classification Approach

Import8 uses AI vision and text analysis to classify products into EU customs codes. Upload a product photo, type a description, or provide both — our AI identifies the product, navigates the full EU nomenclature, and returns the correct HS code with transparent reasoning.

What makes our HS code classification different

  • Image + text classification — most competitors only support text descriptions. Our vision AI identifies materials, construction, and function from photos.
  • 91% Express-mode accuracy — tested against 283 official EU EBTI (Binding Tariff Information) rulings across 54 product chapters, our AI classification achieves 91% Express-mode accuracy on 6-digit HS codes and 97% Express-mode accuracy on 8-digit CN codes. See our benchmark results.
  • Transparent reasoning — every classification includes a step-by-step decision tree showing how the code was determined. Download a professional PDF report for your records — with auditable reasoning trail.
  • API-first — designed for integration. REST API, batch processing, webhooks, CSV and Excel upload. From single calls to 25,000 classifications per month.
  • Tariff change alerts — when EU tariff rates change for codes you have classified, you get notified automatically. Stay compliant without manual monitoring.
  • Free to start, affordable at scale — 5 free credits to get started. Credit packages from €0.50 per classification at volume. See pricing.

AI Classification Technology

Import8 is powered by Anthropic's Claude AI for product analysis and classification. Our multi-step pipeline translates and normalizes product descriptions, navigates the full EU nomenclature of over 16,000 tariff headings to identify the most relevant candidates, and then makes a final classification decision enriched by hundreds of real-world EU customs precedent rulings (EBTI).

The EU TARIC nomenclature database is regularly synced from official sources, ensuring up-to-date codes and duty rates. Classifications include duty rates, VAT, and any applicable anti-dumping duties for all 27 EU member states.

Company

Import8 is a product of Trade8 B.V., a software company based in Groningen, the Netherlands. We specialize in building tools that simplify international trade.

Legal entityTrade8 B.V.
AddressEuvelgunnerweg 25a, 9723 CV Groningen
Chamber of Commerce99745720

Get in Touch

Have questions about our AI customs classification or HS code API? We would love to hear from you.

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API Documentation

Read the docs

How Import8 reasons

Import8 classifies using a top-down approach: General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) first, then chapter notes, then EBTI rules derived from real EU binding rulings. This mirrors how customs authorities work — starting broad and drilling down to the most specific heading that matches your product.

Where AI can be wrong

No automated tool is infallible. The customer remains the final decision-maker for every HS code. In Audit-mode, Import8 generates a full PDF reasoning trail you can review and challenge. When in doubt, consult a certified customs broker.

Disclaimer

Import8 provides classification suggestions for informational purposes only. This is not legal or customs advice. Formal tariff classification decisions rest with your national customs authority. Binding Tariff Information (EBTI) decisions issued by EU customs authorities override AI-generated classifications.

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