The Binding Tariff Information (BTI) process is a cornerstone of customs classification in the EU, ensuring uniform application of tariff codes and legal certainty for businesses. On February 14, 2025, the EU Commission announced the publication of the revised administrative guidelines for the Binding Tariff Information process.

Also known as a classification ruling in other jurisdictions, a BTI is a legally binding decision issued by EU national customs authorities on the tariff classification of a product. After its introduction in 1991, the Commission published a guidance document that has been regularly updated (“Administrative Guidance on the Binding Tariff Information Process“) aimed at businesses as well as customs authorities with a threefold objective:

• Offer a global overview of the BTI process under the EBTI system,

• Contribute to the harmonization of national practices in the area of BTI,

• Provide guidance to customs authorities on how to draft and issue BTI decisions.

This guidance provides a structured overview of the BTI process, its purpose, and how businesses can benefit from it. It is, therefore, an important document. Click here to access the latest version of the Guidance. While the document was officially updated in March 2024, its formal publication was only announced on February 14, 2025.

The most notable update from this last version comes from introducing the Electronic Binding Tariff Information (EBTI) Specific Trader Portal, which streamlines applications for traders and customs authorities. This update also presents an opportunity to review the key elements of the BTI process and its significance for businesses.

The process is digital, but not always smooth.

On average, the EU Member States issue approximately 40.000 – 45.000 decisions per year. The Online Binding Tariff Information consultation database is one of the most consulted information sources on classification, with almost 50 million site visits per year.

Businesses must submit applications to the EBTI Customs Trader Portal. Depending on the Member State an economic operator must access either directly the EU Customs Trader Portal or the national trader portal offered by the Member State. For those who have already submitted BTI applications, the process is far from smooth: the system is sometimes unstable, and access depends on the Member State from which the request is made. Patience is key.

The process includes a pre-application consultation, submission of detailed product descriptions, and an evaluation phase where customs may request further information before issuing a decision. Preparing a BTI is a complex task. It requires businesses to gather data/documents, research existing BTIs for the product in question, and, most importantly, develop a legally robust argument.

Timeline: the theory and the practice.

The BTI application process includes a 30-day acceptance period, followed by a 120-day legal deadline for customs authorities to issue a decision. However, delays frequently occur due to additional information requests, consultations between Member States, or EU-level classification discussions. In practice, businesses often wait several months, and in some cases, over a year, before receiving a final decision.

A BTI is valid for three years from the date of issue. However, in certain circumstances, that 3-year period may be cut short and the BTI decision will cease to be valid (eg. changes in the customs nomenclature, new EU classification regulations, court rulings, or amendments to explanatory notes) or revoked before its end and in some cases (eg. if issued based on incorrect or incomplete information).

Why apply for a BTI?

For businesses, a BTI is primarily a document that provides legal certainty on the classification of a product. And that is already significant when you keep in mind that product classification must be the most important element of any customs compliance management organisation.

Of course, it is not necessary to obtain one for every product, as it would be too time-consuming. However, it is useful for key products - those with high volume, exposure to duties, or subject to specific regulations. Even though the process can take time, it is also a valuable tool for enhancing certainty in other critical areas of trade management such as origin determination , anti-dumping measures and sanctions compliance.