Privacy Policy for HTS Lookup
HTS Lookup is a reference utility for searching the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS / HTSUS) by code, keyword, photo, or natural-language description. This Privacy Policy applies to the HTS Lookup mobile application on all platforms where it is distributed, and explains what information the app may process when you use it, how that information is used, and the choices you have.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Searches, recents, and preferences
Your recent searches, appearance preference (light / dark / system), language setting, and bundled or downloaded HTS data version are stored locally on your device. This data is used so the app can restore your context across launches and let you re-open previous lookups quickly. You can clear recent searches at any time from inside the app.
1.2 Optional AI-assisted query refinement
When you tap "Refine with AI" or perform a natural-language search in a language other than English, the typed query (and a small set of candidate HTS rows from the local database) may be sent to a third-party large language model provider over an encrypted connection so the result list can be re-ranked or translated for readability. Only the text you type and short HTS descriptions are transmitted. We do not send your name, contacts, location, photos, or any device identifier with these requests.
1.3 Optional photo-based lookup
If you choose the "Photo lookup" feature, the photo you select or capture is processed on your device for resizing and compression and then transmitted to a third-party large language model provider over an encrypted connection so it can suggest candidate HTS codes. The original photo is never persisted on our servers; the provider may retain the request transiently for abuse prevention according to its own retention policy. Photos are used only for the lookup you initiated and are discarded by the app after the response is rendered.
1.4 HTS data updates
The app periodically checks for updates to the bundled HTS dataset. Update checks transmit only the information needed to fetch a manifest and download the data package (such as the current data version, app version, and platform). Your network provider and content delivery network may automatically record standard technical information such as IP address and request timestamp as part of normal internet operation.
1.5 Advertising data
Free tiers of HTS Lookup may display advertisements through Google AdMob to keep the app free to use. Google AdMob and its partners may collect and process information such as your advertising identifier (for example, Apple's Identifier for Advertisers on iOS or the Advertising ID on Android), device information (model, operating system, language), coarse location derived from IP address, and interaction data (ad views, clicks). This processing is performed by Google according to Google's privacy policies and the ad-serving choices available on your device. Premium subscribers do not see advertisements.
1.6 In-app purchases
If you purchase the Premium subscription, the transaction is processed by the platform store (Apple App Store or Google Play). HTS Lookup does not receive your payment method or billing address; it only receives the purchase token used to verify entitlement on your device. Subscription management is handled in your platform store account.
2. How We Use Information
- To run code, keyword, natural-language, and photo-based lookups against the HTS database.
- To remember your appearance, language, and recent searches across launches.
- To refine result ranking or translate descriptions when you opt into AI-assisted features.
- To check for and apply HTS data package updates.
- To verify your Premium entitlement and unlock paid features.
- To serve and measure advertisements through Google AdMob, where applicable.
- To maintain app stability and comply with applicable app store and legal requirements.
3. HTS Data Source
HTS Lookup ships with a snapshot of the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Tariff codes, descriptions, units of measure, and related metadata shown in the app are reproduced for reference only and may differ from the latest official publication. The app does not calculate duties, customs fees, or landed cost. Always confirm the official current schedule and consult a licensed customs broker before relying on a code for a real shipment.
4. Advertising and Google AdMob
HTS Lookup uses Google AdMob to show ads in the free tier. Depending on your region and device settings, AdMob may use your advertising identifier to deliver personalized or non-personalized advertising, to measure ad performance, and to prevent fraud. Where required by applicable law, a consent prompt is shown before any personalized advertising is enabled.
You can limit ad tracking at any time from your device settings:
- On iOS and iPadOS, manage your choice under Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, and under Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising.
- On Android, reset or delete your Advertising ID and opt out of ad personalization under Settings > Privacy > Ads (the exact path may vary by device).
For further details, please see:
5. Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal information. Depending on the features you use and your region, information may be processed by:
- A third-party large language model provider, when you opt into AI-assisted refinement, translation, or photo lookup.
- A content delivery network, when you download HTS data updates.
- Google AdMob and its advertising partners, to deliver and measure advertisements.
- The app store platform from which you downloaded the app (such as Apple App Store or Google Play), for app distribution, updates, billing, and platform-level diagnostics.
6. Data Retention
Local data such as your recent searches, preferences, downloaded HTS data, and Premium entitlement remains on your device until you delete it from inside the app, clear app data in system settings, or uninstall the app. Data processed by third-party services such as Google AdMob, the language model provider, or the platform store is retained according to those services' own retention policies.
7. Your Choices and Controls
- You can clear recent searches at any time from the home screen.
- You can decline AI-assisted refinement or photo lookup; basic code and keyword search work entirely on-device.
- You can manage your advertising identifier and ad personalization from your device's system settings.
- You can manage or cancel your Premium subscription from your platform store account.
- You can uninstall HTS Lookup at any time, which removes all local data created by the app.
8. Security
We take reasonable technical and organizational steps to reduce privacy and security risks, including relying on platform-level services for distribution and encrypted network transmission (HTTPS) when fetching data updates or contacting the language model provider. However, no method of electronic storage or internet transmission is completely secure.
9. Children's Privacy
HTS Lookup is a general-audience reference utility and is not directed to children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the app, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
10. International Users
HTS Lookup is available globally through multiple app store platforms. Depending on the services you use with the app (such as AI-assisted lookup or Google AdMob), your data may be processed by service providers in locations outside your country or region, subject to those providers' applicable policies and safeguards.
11. Permissions
HTS Lookup only requests the permissions needed for its declared features, such as network access to fetch HTS data updates and to call AI-assisted features, the camera permission when you start a photo lookup, the photo library permission when you pick an existing image, and any permissions required by the mobile advertising SDK. The app does not request access to your contacts, precise location, microphone, health data, or messages.
12. Your Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights under applicable privacy laws (including GDPR, UK GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, LGPD and similar regulations) to access, correct, delete, restrict, object to processing, or port data relating to you. Because HTS Lookup stores your data locally on your device, you can exercise most of these rights directly by managing settings in the app, clearing app data, or uninstalling the app. For requests that cannot be resolved this way, please contact us using the details below.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to the app, legal requirements, or third-party service providers. The latest version will be published with an updated effective date at the top of this page. Your continued use of the app after an update means you accept the revised policy.
14. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or about how your data is handled, please contact us at: luofeiyuo@gmail.com