Adding Your First Product

How to Add a Product

1. From the Dashboard, click + Add Product (or go to Products and click the same button).
2. Fill in the required fields:
   • Product Name -- A clear description (e.g., "Hex bolts, metric thread, iron/steel").
   • HS Code -- The 10-digit tariff classification number. TariffTrail validates this against the Canadian Customs Tariff to confirm it exists.
   • Country of Origin -- The 2-letter ISO country code (e.g., US, CN, MX, DE).
3. Optionally fill in:
   • SKU -- Your internal product code.
   • Typical Value (CAD) -- Used for duty estimates and scenario modelling.
   • CUSMA Claimed -- Check this if you claim CUSMA preferential treatment. Only visible for US or Mexico origins.
4. Click Save Product.

TariffTrail immediately checks the product against all active surtax orders and displays the result.

HS Code Validation

The HS code must be exactly 10 digits. TariffTrail accepts either the formatted version (e.g., 7318.15.00.00) or the unformatted version (e.g., 7318150000).

If you are unsure of your HS code, use the Tariff Lookup tool (Tariff Engine > Tariff Lookup) to search by keyword or partial code. An incorrect HS code will produce incorrect surtax and duty results.

Understanding the Surtax Check

After saving, the product detail page shows a Surtax Status card with one of two results:

• Surtaxed X% -- Your product is subject to an active surtax order. The card lists the order name, SOR number, rate, and whether a CUSMA exemption applies.
• Clear -- No active surtax order applies to this product.

Confirming Your Classification

Once you are confident in your HS code, click Confirm Classification on the product detail page. This logs a verification event in your audit trail with the tariff dataset version active at the time -- a due diligence step that supports your position during a CBSA audit.

Product Limits by Plan

Tips

• Start with your highest-value product for the clearest picture of surtax exposure and landed cost impact.
• If your product shows a surtax but you source from the US or Mexico, check whether CUSMA exemption applies. You may need a certificate of origin from your supplier.
• You can also run ad hoc surtax checks from the Surtax Checker (Tariff Engine > Surtax Checker) without adding a product to your portfolio.