Tariff

Tariff (from the town of Tarifa, where, during the rule of the Moors in Spain, duties were collected), a table or catalogue, generally drawn up in alphabetical order, of the duties, drawbacks, bounties, &c. charged or allowed on different kinds of merchandise, as settled by authority, or agreed to between different states. The principles of the tariffs of different countries depend on their respective commercial policy, and on the fluctuating interests and wants of the community. They may be prohibitory, retaliatory, or differential; and may be assessed ad valorem, &c. See CUSTOMS, FREE TRADE, PROTECTION.