# Quoting and variance

Source: https://developer.avalara.com/products/crossborder/integration-guides/avatax-for-cdit/pfy6694287887889/

Guide: AvaTax Cross-Border (Customs Duty and Import Tax)

# Quoting and variance

Understand quoting and variance in customs duty and import tax calculations.

Quoting occurs when an HS code isn’t available on a transaction for calculating customs duty and import taxes. In this case, AvaTax relies on the product category, description, and summary in the transaction and uses the Avalara Cross-Border Estimated feature to calculate or quote customs duties and import taxes for a line. The estimate can be provided in the shopping cart so that some money is collected up front for taxes.

Variance is the difference between the tax that was collected on a transaction and the amount of tax that you’re billed for from a shipping company. This variance can occur when you estimate transactions instead of using HS codes. In some cases, customs may reclassify an item based on the description that you pass.