Federal Express has launched two AI-powered tools — Customs AI and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup Feature — across Asia- Pacific (APAC) markets.
These solutions are designed to simplify the often-complex process of completing global shipping documents needed for international shipments, empowering businesses and individuals to ship with greater ease, accuracy, and confidence.
Inaccurate shipping documentation continues to be a major challenge in global trade. To address this challenge, FedEx has integrated new tools into its FedEx Ship Manager platform at fedex.com, offering customers an intuitive solution to more seamlessly navigate shipment requirements.
“By leveraging advanced digital insights and intuitive tools, we’re empowering businesses with the agility to adapt, the efficiency to streamline operations, and the intelligence to make better decisions,” said Salil Chari, senior vice president of marketing and customer experience for APAC at FedEx.
“These innovations not only simplify global trade but also enable our customers to grow their businesses with confidence in an ever-evolving marketplace,” he said.
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup Feature assists customers in their selection of correct HTS code for US import clearance. Customers can input an item description, and the system will automatically suggest the most appropriate HTS code options, along with a confidence score, from which the customer can choose.
Currently available in Australia, Guam, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines, Customs AI leverages advanced generative AI technology to help simplify the shipment documentation process.
By analyzing customer inputs in real time, the chatbot intelligently prompts the customer to provide a specific item description and assists customers in selecting the corresponding HTS codes, which can be applied directly to shipment documentation with a single click.
Each suggested HTS code also includes a direct link to the official US HTS tariff schedule, educating customers on the selection and ensuring full transparency and verification. The system is updated to maintain regulatory compliance in an evolving trade landscape, helping customers remain compliant with the latest customs requirements while saving valuable time and effort.
Together, these tools deliver a unified solution that simplifies global trade by addressing key challenges in clearance.
First, efficient customs clearance. The AI-powered chatbot dynamically tailors questions based on the item being shipped, guiding customers through a simplified documentation process that helps them provide complete and accurate data to brokers. This can help speed up clearance and drive compliance for US-bound packages.
Second, more accurate duty and tax Estimation. Proper HTS code classification enables more precise calculation of import duties and taxes, helping customers better forecast and manage international shipping expenses.
Third, reduced delays. Specific item descriptions and HTS code classifications from the outset significantly reduce the likelihood of shipments being held during customs clearance, supporting on-time delivery.
And fourth, potential cost savings. By avoiding errors in documentation, customers can mitigate the risk of additional handling fees, penalties, or delays caused by non-compliance.
