While accurate classification for tariffs is often viewed as just a compliance requirement for international commerce, it constitutes a fundamental element of the cost structure of the supply chain as well as the exposure to risk. This research develops an applied model for establishing the classification of tariffs as a competitive advantage through costs/resource optimization, and mitigation of risk, based on ARGO‑HYTOS US (AHUS) as a case study in the hydraulic systems business. The literature relating to trade compliance, management of supply chain costs, and regulatory regimes (HTSUS, WTO, BIS EAR) sheds light on the challenges that exist when classifying complex hydraulic components under multiple tariff classifications between different tariff chapters, as well as the importance of having a strategy in place to ensure the correct classification of water hydraulic components. A four‑tiered decision framework for classifying products will be presented that creates a link between accuracy of classification, improved landed cost estimates, reduced risk of penalties and compliance, and more resilient operations due to smoother border clearance times and higher quality data. This research is a single case study based on document analysis and structured evaluation of representative product families in SAP S/4HANA master data and public regulatory databases. Examples will also be presented to show how misclassification affects the amount of duty associated with products and increases the risk of penalties, while proper classification enables cost control transparency and proactive management of risk.