Question 1

How does CrossbordIA determine a customs code?

Accepted Answer

The engine follows the official method: it applies the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) in order, from section to chapter, heading, HS subheading, then national code. At each level, it first reads the section and chapter notes, then the explanatory notes (HSEN, CNEN), and quotes them word for word. It only moves forward when the texts and the established facts allow it.

Question 2

Can I rely on the proposed code?

Accepted Answer

You can check it, which matters more. CrossbordIA does not display a confidence score: each final code comes with the texts that justify it and the facts retained, with their source. If a fact is missing, the engine stops and asks you a question instead of guessing. Like any decision-support tool, it can be wrong: review the supporting document before declaring.

Question 3

Who is responsible for the code declared to customs?

Accepted Answer

You are. The choice of the declared code remains that of the company or its customs representative; CrossbordIA is a decision-support tool (see our Terms of Sale). An incorrect classification can lead to reassessments and penalties: that is why each code is delivered with its full justification, which you can review, keep and present.

Question 4

What is the difference with a BTI (binding tariff information)?

Accepted Answer

A BTI is a written decision by the customs administration, binding on it for the goods described. CrossbordIA does not issue BTIs and its supporting document is not legal advice. It does, however, give you a reasoned classification, backed by the texts, useful for deciding, documenting your position or preparing a BTI application.

Question 5

What happens when information is missing?

Accepted Answer

The engine stops at the level concerned and asks you a precise question, citing the text that makes it necessary (for example a chapter note). As soon as you answer, the classification resumes automatically where it stopped, without replaying the previous steps. Your answer is free and can be undone.

Question 6

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

A product reference is mandatory: it is the key used to find and update the item, but it never determines its code. Also describe the object, its construction, its materials and their proportions, and the gender and use when they matter.

Question 7

What is the product photo used for?

Accepted Answer

The photo is used only to establish visible properties, through closed questions: for example the side of the fastening or a visible knit. It never establishes the material, weight or use. A photo that does not show the described item is discarded. If it contradicts your declaration, the engine stops and asks you to decide.

Question 8

What does the customs supporting document contain?

Accepted Answer

As soon as a code is final, you download a PDF that quotes word for word the GIR, notes and explanatory notes (HSEN, CNEN) applied, as well as each fact retained and its source: declaration, photo, answer or standing instruction. It is neither a BTI nor legal advice, but a file ready to present in the event of an inspection.

Question 9

For which countries can I get a code?

Accepted Answer

Five jurisdictions: European Union (10-digit TARIC), United Kingdom (UK Global Tariff), United States (HTS), Norway (Tolltariffen) and Canada (Customs Tariff). From the same item record, you classify for one or more of these countries; each final code has its own supporting document.

Question 10

Do I have to answer the same question for each item?

Accepted Answer

No. In a batch, identical questions are grouped: you answer once for all the rows concerned. With “Remember this answer for other items”, the answer becomes a standing instruction: a fact, never a code, applied to your similar items (for all destinations or just one). Data declared on the item always takes priority. This service is free.

Question 11

Is the EU code compared with classification regulations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, free of charge. When your item exactly matches the goods described by an EU classification regulation, the record and the supporting document state “Classification consistent with the regulation” with the EUR-Lex link. If a fact about your item still needs clarifying, a closed question is asked. The 723 regulations in force can be consulted freely in Help. The item's code is never changed automatically.

Question 12

Are customs duties displayed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, only for a confirmed final code. The record shows the import duty rate published for the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Norway or Canada, with the official source and the date of the data. CrossbordIA does not calculate any duty amount without a customs value.

Question 13

Who is responsible for the customs invoice?

Accepted Answer

The exporter. CrossbordIA provides drafting assistance for the customs invoice, to be reviewed and signed by the exporter, based on their data. Review it before sending and sign the declaration of accuracy: you remain solely responsible for its content. The checks for missing or inconsistent data detected guarantee neither compliance, accuracy nor completeness.

Question 14

How is classification billed?

Accepted Answer

The website, import, API and stores follow the same rule: one credit per item and per country, on the first result delivered. The 27 countries of the European Union count together as a single country. “Reclassify” creates a new classification after the item is modified and also uses a credit. Nothing is charged in the event of an error, insufficient data or suspension. Answers, resumptions, undos, standing instructions, PDF supporting documents and file checks remain included.

Question 15

How long do credits remain valid?

Accepted Answer

Twelve months from when they are granted. Credits that expire soonest are used first. On paid plans, you can buy a top-up at any time.

Question 16

How does the free trial work?

Accepted Answer

The trial gives access to the features included in the Free plan (the table on the Pricing page is the reference): 10 credits offered once, without a credit card. The plan includes a base of 10 items, 2 users and the API limited to 10 requests per minute and 100 per day. Only one free offer is granted per company; in France, the mandatory SIREN is verified. Credits do not renew: to continue, choose a plan.

Question 17

What plans do you offer?

Accepted Answer

A Free plan and three paid plans, Standard, Premium and Pro, each with several credit volumes, monthly or annual (annual costs ten months). The trial gives access to the features included in the Free plan (the table on the Pricing page is the reference): 10 credits offered once, without a credit card. Paid plans differ in credit volume, limits and certain features (EU regulations and official duties, standing instructions, store connection, REST API and webhooks, regulations and history: Premium and Pro; isolated shipper workspaces: Pro); the table on the Pricing page is the reference. Priority support (reply within 24 business hours, Monday to Friday) is a service of the Premium and Pro plans, separate from the features: it is not included in the trial. Prices exclude VAT. For a particular volume or need, contact us for an Enterprise offer.

Question 18

Can I change plan or cancel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From “My company”, the Super user can change plan or cancel the subscription. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current period; amounts already invoiced are not refunded (Terms of Sale, article 8).

Question 19

How do I classify an entire catalogue?

Accepted Answer

Import an Excel (.xlsx, .xls) or CSV file and map your columns to the CrossbordIA fields. Before launch, a free check without AI counts the rows and flags missing references or descriptions, duplicate references, empty compositions when that column is mapped, and required columns that are not mapped. The batch then runs in the background and you receive an email when it is ready.

Question 20

Can I export the results?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in Excel format, from a batch's results or from the Products page. Each item appears with its final code or the pending question.

Question 21

Do you offer an API?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a REST API authenticated by the X-API-Key header; its address is given in the API documentation. Four endpoints: single classification, bulk (1 to 100 items per request), multi-country, and bulk multi-country (up to 50 items per request). Each response contains either a code or an open question (open_question) with the codes still in play. Test keys start with cbrd_test_; each key can be restricted to certain jurisdictions. Per-minute and per-day limits depend on the plan.

Question 22

How can I be notified when a batch finishes?

Accepted Answer

By webhook. The bulk.completed and bulk.api.completed events send {event, data, timestamp}, signed with HMAC-SHA256 in the X-Webhook-Signature header. In case of failure, three attempts are made: immediately, then after 1 and 4 seconds; your server has 10 seconds to respond.

Question 23

How can I get help?

Accepted Answer

Once signed in, the “Help” button opens an AI assistant that answers questions about using CrossbordIA, your credits and your plan. It gives no customs code and changes nothing on your account. You can ask to speak to a human: the team replies by email from contact@crossbordia.fr.

Question 24

I am a freight forwarder: how do I manage several clients?

Accepted Answer

Sign up as a freight forwarder or customs broker: each shipper client has an isolated workspace, with its items, batches and its own standing instructions. You classify on its behalf, with a supporting document per code.

Question 25

How are my access and my data protected?

Accepted Answer

Each company assigns roles (Owner, Super user, Operator) and can enable two-factor authentication (MFA). Shipper workspaces are isolated from one another. Your data is used solely to provide the service and is never sold. Hosting, recipients and your rights are detailed in our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Method and reliability

Supporting document and jurisdictions

Prices, credits and trial

Import and stores

API and integrations

Accounts, forwarders and data