Why do you need to know your HS (Harmonized System)/Schedule B number?

Exporters need to know the HS/Schedule B number for their products for several reasons: The HS number is needed to look up tariff rates; the Schedule B number is needed to complete the Shipper's Export Declaration; the HS number may be needed on shipping documents, including certificates of origin; and, the HS number is needed to determine whether a product qualifies for a preferential tariff under a Free Trade Agreement. HS numbers can also be used for market research purposes, such as identifying foreign markets where your product is currently being exported.

How do I identify the HS number for my product?

Harmonized System (HS) Numbers, typically 6-10 digits long, are used to classify products for customs purposes. By international agreement, most countries recognize the same first 6 "harmonized" digits. To get a duty rate one needs to have the complete product number used by the importing country. However, since this is sometimes difficult, companies can use the Schedule B number to approximate. Schedule B Numbers are used to classify exported products in the United States and are based on the international HS system. The numbers will be the same up to the first 6 digits as the importing country's classification code, after which they will likely be very close or the same.

The Census Bureau's Schedule B Search Engine, has a number of web-based resources for classifying your products. The Schedule B search function is the most commonly used method for classifying products. Click "search" and enter the "keyword" that best describes your product. To learn more about the Schedule B search engine see the Census Bureau's Frequently Asked Questions.

NOTE: After consulting the Search Engine, you can obtain further assistance on Schedule B numbers from a commodity specialist at the U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Division:

Durable goods (metals, machinery, computer, electronic and other miscellaneous goods) call: 301-763-3259

Non-durable goods (food, animal, wood, paper, mineral, chemical and textile goods) call: 301-763-3484

* The Schedule B: Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States can be ordered from the Government Printing Office by calling 202-512-1800. The stock number is 903-009-00000-4. The CD-ROM version can also be purchased from the Census Bureau by calling 301-457-1086