── ── Industry
Customs — HTS Classification (MECE Decomposition)
The parent mece forces mutually-exclusive, collectively-exhaustive buckets. HTS classification via the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) is literally a MECE walk: headings are meant to be exclusive; GRI 1→6 resolve overlaps so exactly one heading wins.
Run Customs — HTS Classification (MECE Decomposition) on a real problem
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How it works
- GRI 1: classify by heading terms + section/chapter notes (start here, exhaustively). - If >1 heading fits (not mutually exclusive on its face): GRI 2 (incomplete/mixtures), GRI 3 (most specific → essential character → last in numerical order), GRI 4 (akin), GRI 5 (containers), GRI 6 (subheadings). - The goal: a single, defensible heading with the reasoning recorded (reasonable care).
When to use it
- classifying merchandise under the HTSUS
- ambiguous/multi-function goods
- 'which heading applies?'
- a product spanning multiple chapters
When not to use it
an established binding ruling already governs the exact article.
Worked example
Customs — HTS Classification (MECE Decomposition)
The parent mece forces mutually-exclusive, collectively-exhaustive buckets. HTS classification via the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) is literally a MECE walk: headings are meant to be exclusive; GRI 1→6 resolve overlaps so exactly one heading wins.
Install this skill (free, MIT)
npx skills add deciqAI/knowledge-skillsUseful? Star the repo — stars help other builders find it.
Related mental models
The parent decision-tree maps branching qualification logic.
The parent checklist is a verifiable gate.
The parent margin-of-safety sizes a buffer against estimation error.
The parent incentive-design aligns incentives while avoiding perverse behavior.