Requirements for Electronic Ruling Requests

The procedures under this rulings program apply to requests for binding classification rulings under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and certain marking, origin, NAFTA and applicability of Trade Program rulings. Under the newly enhanced eRulings program, the importing community may submit an electronic request for a binding ruling by accessing the new eRulings Template.he procedures under this rulings program apply to requests for binding classification rulings under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and certain marking, origin, NAFTA and applicability of Trade Program rulings. Under the newly enhanced eRulings program, the importing community may submit an electronic request for a binding ruling by accessing the new E-Rulings Template.

The template permits the online filing of an electronic binding ruling request directly to the National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD) of the Office of Regulations and Rulings. The eRulings Template is reserved exclusively for the electronic submission of initial binding ruling requests to the NCSD in New York. Any questions or follow-up inquiries concerning electronic binding ruling requests must be made via telephone to Customs and Border Protection, Customs Information Exchange at (646) 733-3056/3063. Upon transmission of an electronic, eRuling, request the requester will receive an email, acknowledging their use of the template. If the transmission is received by the NCSD in good order, the requester will receive an email acknowledgement of receipt, complete with a binding ruling control number, within one business day. The official binding ruling response, complete with an electronic signature, will also be returned by email. Ruling requests that require a sample will be excluded from the program. Generally, the NCSD will issue all such rulings within 30 calendar days of the date of receipt. Some delay may occur if a laboratory report or consultation with another agency is required. Rulings that require referral to Headquarters, OR&R, will be issued by mail within 90 days of receipt. The ruling request must concern prospective shipments. A copy of the ruling or the ruling control number should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time the merchandise is imported. Please note that if for any reason you cannot meet the requirements for filing an electronic ruling request, you can still file for a binding ruling by mail. See What are Ruling Letters.