An Openclaw Skills workflow for classifying merchandise under the HTSUS with GRI-driven MECE reasoning and audit-ready documentation.
Install & Download
1. ClawHub CLI
The fastest way to install a skill directly from the registry.
npx clawhub@latest install customs-hts-classification-mece
2. Manual Installation
Copy the skill folder to one of these locations
~/.openclaw/skills/ <project>/skills/ Priority: Workspace > Local > Bundled
3. Prompt Installation
Copy this prompt to OpenClaw to install it automatically.
Help me install customs-hts-classification-mece using Clawhub. If Clawhub is not installed, install it first (npm i -g clawhub).
Prefer to download?
Get the raw skill files in a ZIP archive.
What is Customs HTS Classification (MECE Decomposition)?
This Openclaw Skills variant turns HTSUS classification into a disciplined MECE workflow for ambiguous, multi-function, or multi-chapter goods.
It uses the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), section and chapter notes, and a stepwise overlap-resolution path to produce one defensible heading with a documented rationale. It is designed for agents and operators who need a repeatable customs classification method, while still deferring to CBP CROSS rulings or a binding ruling when certainty is required.
Customs HTS Classification (MECE Decomposition) Use Cases
- Classifying a SKU when more than one HTSUS heading could apply.
- Resolving ambiguous or multi-function merchandise, such as composite goods or tools with several functions.
- Handling products that span multiple chapters or appear to conflict with section or chapter notes.
- Building a repeatable decision worksheet for a solo broker or internal trade-compliance team.
- Creating audit-ready reasonable-care documentation for contestable classifications.
- Checking whether CBP CROSS or an existing binding ruling should override further analysis.
How Customs HTS Classification (MECE Decomposition) Works
- Confirm the trigger: use the skill when you are classifying merchandise under the HTSUS and the correct heading is not obvious.
- Collect the product facts: materials, components, functions, intended use, packaging, and any prior rulings or reference documents.
- Apply GRI 1 first, together with section and chapter notes, to see whether one heading clearly captures the article.
- If more than one heading still fits, resolve the overlap in order through GRI 2, GRI 3, GRI 4, GRI 5, and GRI 6, using essential character and heading order when needed.
- Select a single defensible heading and record why other options were rejected, so the classification path is explicit and reproducible.
- Verify the result against CBP CROSS or binding-ruling guidance when the case is contestable, and save the reasoning as reasonable-care evidence.
Customs HTS Classification (MECE Decomposition) Setup
- Add the skill to your Openclaw Skills library so the agent can load the front matter, triggers, and workflow sections.
- Keep the customs references available in your workflow: HTSUS, section and chapter notes, GRI rules, CBP CROSS, and binding-ruling resources.
- Optional: create reusable worksheets and ruling folders for each SKU or product family so the classification trail stays organized.
mkdir -p ~/openclaw-skills/customs-hts-classification-mece
cp SKILL.md ~/openclaw-skills/customs-hts-classification-mece/SKILL.md
# Optional local workspace for repeatable classification records
mkdir -p ~/openclaw-skills/customs-hts-classification-mece/worksheets
mkdir -p ~/openclaw-skills/customs-hts-classification-mece/rulings
Customs HTS Classification (MECE Decomposition) Data Schema & Taxonomy
| Layer | Field / Artifact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Metadata front matter | name, description, activation rules, exclusion rules |
Determines when Openclaw Skills should activate |
| Domain logic | GRI 1 through GRI 6, section notes, chapter notes | Drives the HTSUS decision path |
| Compliance anchors | HTSUS, reasonable care, CBP CROSS, binding rulings | Provides the defensibility and reference layer |
| Operational packs | Solo broker, brokerage | Adapts the workflow to individual or team use |
| Decision output | Final heading, rejected alternatives, reasoning trail | Captures the single defensible classification |
| Verification layer | Checklist items | Confirms the analysis was completed in order |
Generated artifacts typically include:
- A GRI decision worksheet per SKU
- A classification memo with notes and rationale
- A ruling-trigger note when the case is contestable
- A verification checklist for audit readiness
Metadata taxonomy:
- Trigger conditions: HTSUS classification, ambiguous goods, multi-function goods, multi-chapter goods
- Exclusions: an exact article already governed by a binding ruling
- Compliance references: GRI, section and chapter notes, CBP CROSS, binding rulings, reasonable care
- Pack variants: solo broker, brokerage
- Risk flags: skipped notes,
close enoughheadings, undocumented reasoning
Customs HTS Classification (MECE Decomposition) Advanced Features
- MECE decomposition aligned to the HTSUS GRI 1-6 decision tree.
- Built-in guardrails that prevent skipping section or chapter notes.
- Essential-character and last-in-order logic for overlapping headings.
- Audit-ready reasoning trails that support reasonable-care documentation.
- Escalation prompts for CBP CROSS research and binding-ruling review.
- Reusable operational packs for solo brokers and brokerage-wide classification libraries.
- Agent-friendly activation rules and machine-readable metadata patterns for Openclaw Skills.
SKILL.md
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