The 6 General Rules of Interpretation Explained Simply

Every HS classification decision follows a hierarchy of rules called the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI). There are six of them. Most products are classified by GRI 1 — but when a product is complex, ambiguous, or sold as a set, you work through the rules in order until one gives you a definitive answer.

GRI 1 — Heading text and section/chapter notes

Classification shall be determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.

In plain English: read the heading text. If the heading clearly describes your product, you're done. Most everyday products are classified by GRI 1 alone.

Example: A laptop is "a portable automatic data processing machine" — that matches the text of heading 8471.30 exactly. GRI 1, end of analysis.

GRI 1 also requires you to check section and chapter notes, which can exclude or redirect certain products. Chapter 85 notes, for instance, clarify that certain assemblies that would otherwise fall there belong in Chapter 84.

GRI 2 — Incomplete articles and mixtures

GRI 2 has two parts:

2(a): An incomplete or unfinished article is classified as the complete/finished article if it has the essential character of the complete article. An assembled vs unassembled article is also treated as assembled.

2(b): Mixtures or combinations of materials are classified as if consisting of the material that gives them their essential character (subject to GRI 3 if multiple headings apply).

Example: A bicycle shipped without saddles and pedals is still classified as a bicycle (8712) — those parts don't change its essential character.

GRI 3 — When two or more headings could apply

GRI 3 is invoked when GRI 1 and 2 leave you with two or more headings that could plausibly apply. It has three sub-rules applied in order:

3(a): The most specific heading prevails. A heading that names the article is more specific than one that only covers a broader class.

3(b): Mixed goods and sets are classified by the component that gives essential character. Essential character is often determined by value, bulk, weight, quantity, or the function that makes the product what it is.

3(c): When neither 3(a) nor 3(b) resolves it, use the heading that comes last numerically.

Example: A Swiss Army knife (multiple tools in one) is classified by GRI 3(b) — the function that gives it essential character. Customs generally treats the knife blade as the essential character.

GRI 4 — Goods not classifiable by GRI 1–3

If you genuinely cannot classify goods by GRI 1–3, classify them under the heading for the goods most similar to them.

In practice, GRI 4 is almost never used — the first three rules cover virtually everything. If you find yourself needing GRI 4, it's usually a sign that you've mis-applied an earlier rule.

GRI 5 — Containers and packaging

GRI 5 covers cases and packaging:

5(a): Cases, boxes, and similar containers that are specially shaped or fitted to contain a specific article, are suitable for long-term use, and are presented with the article, are classified with that article.

5(b): Other packing materials and containers are classified with the goods they contain — unless the packaging is clearly suitable for repetitive use.

Example: A camera case specifically shaped for a particular camera model is classified with the camera (GRI 5a). A generic cardboard shipping box is not classified — it's just packaging.

GRI 6 — Subheading classification

GRI 6 is essentially GRI 1–5 applied at the subheading level. After you've identified the correct heading using GRI 1–5, you then apply the same logic to determine the correct subheading.

This is why you classify top-down: first pick the right chapter, then heading, then subheading — applying the rules at each level.

Example: You've determined headphones belong in heading 8518 (by GRI 1). You then apply GRI 6 to choose between 8518.10 (microphones), 8518.21 (single loudspeakers), and 8518.30 (headphones and earphones). The subheading text of 8518.30 matches — done.

The practical takeaway

For most e-commerce products, you'll never go past GRI 1. The challenge is knowing where to look in the tariff schedule and understanding what the chapter/section notes exclude.

Where it gets complex: - Sets and combinations (GRI 3b): A laptop + charger + mouse sold as a bundle - Unfinished articles (GRI 2a): Components sold for assembly - New technology (GRI 4): Products that didn't exist when the HS was last revised

When in doubt, search the CROSS database (US) or EBTI (EU) to see how customs authorities have applied these rules to similar products.