CBP provides consultative support for classification in the form of Ruling Requests. This service allows stakeholders to submit descriptions and sometimes articles to National Commodity Specialists to make HTS code determinations. This service is free, takes about 30 days and may be done via eRuling  submission on the internet. These request require a description of the articles (up to 5 per submission) with supporting images as needed. When articles are highly unique a manual submission with samples is recommended.

Rulings are published in Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS). This is a "key word" searchable text based database. This is a very valuable resource which is widely used by Customs Brokers. Because this database goes back a number of year, care must taken when comparing and using results. Consider that later entries have more weight and any HTS codes specified in the ruling must be checked against the current official HTS Schedule to verify codes and duties.