Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, today recently 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.
“At FedEx, we are driven by our commitment to delivering flexibility, efficiency, and intelligence for our customers,” said Salil Chari, senior vice president of marketing &customer experience for APAC at FedEx. “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. These innovations not only simplify global trade but also enable our customers to grow their businesses with confidence in an ever-evolving marketplace.”
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup feature: An industry-leading innovation for U.S.-bound shipments
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup Feature assists customers in their selection of correct HTS code for U.S. 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.
Customs AI: A generative AI-Powered chatbot for more streamlined shipment documentation
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 U.S. 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. Customers may benefit from:
1. 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 U.S.-bound packages.
2. More Accurate Duty & Tax Estimation: Proper HTS code classification enables more precise calculation of import duties and taxes, helping customers better forecast and manage international shipping expenses.
3. 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.
4. Potential Cost Savings: By avoiding errors in documentation, customers can mitigate the risk of additional handling fees, penalties, or delays caused by non-compliance. Supporting Businesses to Navigate Trade Regulations
To further support businesses in navigating evolving trade regulations, FedEx offers a range of customer-centric initiatives, including webinars designed to provide practical knowledge and insights on customs compliance and global shipping best practices. These webinars, combined with the robust FedEx suite of digital Import solutions such as the FedEx Import Tool and Collaborative Shipping Tool, empower businesses to adapt confidently to dynamic trade environments.
