Deterministic Agentic Workflow for HS Tariff Classification
A novel deterministic agentic workflow for classifying tariffs under the Harmonized System (HS) has been introduced, differing from self-planning agents. This process requires aligning product descriptions with six- or eight-digit codes according to General Interpretive Rules (GIR), chapter notes, section notes, and Explanatory Notes. The complexity arises from multi-dimensional rule reasoning, where accurate classification must adhere to conflicting priority rules regarding material, form, function, essential character, part-versus-whole distinctions, and specific versus residual headings. Current end-to-end prompting of large language models falters by addressing one dimension while neglecting others. The new workflow implements a fixed control flow, limits language model calls to specific stages, and incorporates reflection and verification. The paper can be found on arXiv with ID 2605.14857.
Key facts
- The workflow is deterministic and agentic, contrasting with self-planning agents.
- HS tariff classification requires mapping product descriptions to six- or eight-digit codes.
- The task involves multi-dimensional rule reasoning under General Interpretive Rules (GIR).
- End-to-end prompting of large language models fails due to ignoring priority constraints.
- The workflow uses a fixed control flow with narrow language model calls.
- Reflection and verification are retained in the workflow.
- The paper is available on arXiv with ID 2605.14857.
- The classification must satisfy competing rules along material, form, function, essential character, part-versus-whole, and specific listing versus residual headings.
Entities
Institutions
- arXiv