# Tariff Guide > Create comprehensive, printable tariff and customs guide documents for any country or customs territory. Use when a user asks to write a tariff guide, create a customs handbook, document an import duty system, build a trade compliance reference, or explain how tariffs work for a specific country. Produces both Markdown and self-contained HTML with professional styling, worked examples, comparison tables, and print-ready layout. Accepts a country or customs territory name and optional topic outline. - Skill: `theepan/tariff-guide` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add theepan/tariff-guide` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/theepan/tariff-guide/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Web & Frontend - Author: theepan (https://skillmd.com/u/theepan) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/theepan/tariff-guide --- # Tariff Guide Generator Create comprehensive, professional-grade tariff and customs guide documents for any country or customs territory. Output both Markdown and self-contained HTML with modern tech-doc styling. ## Input Handling Determine what the user needs: 1. **Country/territory specified** -- User names a country or customs territory (e.g., "Japan", "ASEAN", "UK", "Australia"). Research and write the full guide. 2. **Outline provided** -- User provides a chapter outline. Use it as the structure and fill in with researched content. 3. **Update existing guide** -- User has an existing guide that needs updating. Research current developments and update the relevant sections. 4. **Comparison guide** -- User wants to compare two or more systems. Structure as a comparative document with side-by-side analysis. If the user provides minimal context, ask: - **Which country or customs territory?** - **Target audience?** (e.g., U.S. importers entering this market, local compliance professionals, general trade audience) - **Should it cross-reference existing guides?** (e.g., "assume reader knows the U.S. system") - **Output format?** (default: both Markdown + self-contained HTML) ## Research Phase Before writing, gather comprehensive information. Launch parallel research agents covering these topic areas: ### Research Area 1: Structure and Institutions - Governing legislation (customs act, tariff act, trade law) - Key agencies (customs authority, trade tribunal, trade policy body, tax authority) - Classification system (HS-based structure, national digits, how many digits) - Tariff schedule structure (rate columns, preferential treatments) - How to access the official tariff schedule (URLs, databases, tools) ### Research Area 2: Rates, Valuation, and Origin - Valuation basis (FOB, CIF, or other -- this is a critical distinguishing feature) - MFN tariff profile (average rates, rate ranges by sector) - Free trade agreements (list all FTAs with partner names, years, codes) - Rules of origin (non-preferential, preferential, proof of origin mechanisms) - Preferential programs (GSP equivalents, developing country preferences) ### Research Area 3: Additional Duties and Taxes - Anti-dumping and countervailing duty system (retrospective vs. prospective, current major measures) - Safeguard measures (any active safeguards, TRQs) - Special tariffs/surtaxes (retaliatory tariffs, national security tariffs, any equivalent to U.S. Section 301/232/IEEPA) - Sales tax / VAT / GST at the border (rate, how calculated, recoverable?) - Excise duties (alcohol, tobacco, fuel, luxury goods) - Any unique mechanisms (e.g., EU CBAM, entry price systems) ### Research Area 4: Procedures and Compliance - Customs declaration system (electronic system name, process) - De minimis thresholds (duty-free, tax-free, e-commerce) - Duty relief programs (drawback, bonded warehouses, temporary importation, processing zones) - Trusted trader programs (AEO equivalent, mutual recognition) - Binding classification rulings (process, validity, searchable database?) - Penalties and enforcement (audit lookback period, penalty structure, voluntary disclosure, appeal process) ### Research Quality Requirements - Use current data (specify the date in the guide) - Include specific rates, thresholds, legal references, regulation numbers - Include official website URLs and database links - Verify data against official government sources where possible - Note any upcoming changes (pending legislation, scheduled rate changes) ## Document Structure Read [references/document-structure.md](references/document-structure.md) for the standard chapter framework. Every guide follows this core structure, adapted to the specific system: ### Required Sections 1. **Executive Summary** -- Structural comparison table vs. U.S. (or another reference system if specified). Highlight the 3-5 most consequential differences. This section tells the reader what makes this system unique. 2. **System Overview** -- Legislative foundation, key agencies with roles and website URLs, how the system is organized. 3. **Classification** -- How the tariff number works, digit breakdown diagram, national extensions, how to access the official schedule. 4. **Tariff Rates and Treatments** -- MFN rates, preferential rates, all FTA treatment codes, the "best rate" rule if applicable. 5. **Customs Valuation** -- FOB vs. CIF (critical distinction), transaction value method, additions/deductions, currency conversion. 6. **Rules of Origin** -- Non-preferential and preferential, key FTA rules of origin, proof of origin mechanisms. 7. **Total Landed Cost Calculation** -- The complete formula from customs value to total charges. Must include **3 worked examples** with step-by-step calculations showing realistic products and amounts. 8. **Additional Duties** -- AD/CVD system, safeguards, surtaxes, retaliatory tariffs, any unique mechanisms. Include current major measures with rates. 9. **Sales Tax / VAT / GST** -- Tax at the border (if applicable), rates, recovery mechanism, interaction with duty calculation. 10. **De Minimis** -- Thresholds for duty-free, tax-free, and e-commerce. Compare with U.S. $800 threshold. 11. **Duty Relief and Special Programs** -- Drawback, bonded warehousing, temporary importation, processing zones, trusted trader programs. 12. **Compliance and Enforcement** -- Audit lookback period, penalties, voluntary disclosure, appeal process. 13. **Key Resources** -- All official URLs, legislation references, key guidance documents organized in tables. 14. **Quick Reference Cheat Sheet** -- Condensed formula, key thresholds table, current additional duties summary, comparison table with other systems. 15. **Disclaimers** -- Not legal advice, rates change frequently, verify against official sources. ### Required Elements Every guide must include: - **Structural comparison table** (this system vs. U.S. and/or other systems) - **Tariff number anatomy diagram** (showing digit breakdown with labels) - **Complete landed cost formula** (step-by-step, showing all layers) - **3 worked examples** with realistic products, tariff codes, and amounts: - Example 1: A duty-free or low-duty product (to show base case) - Example 2: A product with moderate duty (to show standard calculation) - Example 3: A product with additional duties/surtaxes (to show worst case) - **Key thresholds table** (de minimis, registration thresholds, etc.) - **FTA/preferential treatment code table** (all codes with partners and years) - **Official resource URLs table** - **Key legislation reference table** ### Cross-References When the audience has read a companion guide (e.g., the U.S. guide), use callout boxes to highlight differences: - "Key difference from U.S." callouts for structural differences - "Comparison with U.S." callouts for procedural similarities/differences - Do NOT re-explain foundational concepts (HS basics, GRI rules, WTO Valuation Agreement) -- reference the companion guide ## Writing Style ### Tone - **Authoritative but accessible** -- Write for professionals, not academics - **Framework-focused** -- Teach how to look things up, not snapshot current rates (rates change; the framework is durable) - **Practical** -- Include worked examples, decision trees, and step-by-step processes - **Comparative** -- Constantly relate back to the reader's known system ### Formatting - Use markdown headers for hierarchy (## for chapters, ### for sections, #### for subsections) - Use tables for structured data (rates, codes, comparisons) - Use blockquotes (>) for key differences and comparisons - Use code blocks for formulas, tariff number diagrams, and URLs - Use bold for key terms on first use - Keep paragraphs focused -- one concept per paragraph - Target 8,000-15,000 words depending on system complexity ## HTML Generation Read [references/html-template.md](references/html-template.md) for the complete CSS design system and HTML template. After writing the Markdown version, create a self-contained HTML version with: ### Design System - **System font stack** (no external font dependencies) - **Color palette**: Slate-900 text, blue-500 accents, slate-50 backgrounds - **Sticky sidebar TOC** (280px, fixed left, scrollable) - **Content area** (800px max-width, left margin for sidebar) - **4 callout types**: Info (blue), Warning (amber), Tip (green), Important (red) - **Dark code blocks** (slate-800 background) - **Styled tables** (dark header, alternating rows, hover highlight) - **Formula boxes** (dark gradient background, monospace font) - **Worked example boxes** (dark header, body, result footer with red amount) - **Tariff anatomy diagrams** (monospace, bordered box) - **Badge/chips** (for status indicators: Active, Suspended, Repealed) - **Print stylesheet** (hide sidebar, B&W-friendly, page breaks before h2) - **Responsive** (hide sidebar below 1024px) ### HTML Requirements - **Fully self-contained** -- all CSS embedded in `