An HS (Harmonized System) or Schedule B Number is a number assigned to a product for classification purposes.  They help authorities to quickly identify a product.  By international agreement, most countries around the world recognize the same first 6 digits of the number.  This helps to speed the export process, and to minimalize confusion and misunderstanding that may occur when trying to identify a product descriptively.

Exporters need to know the HS or Schedule B Numbers for their products for several reasons.  One needs an HS / Schedule B Number to determine tariff rates, complete Shipper's Export Declarations, complete certificate of origin paperwork, and determine if a product qualifies for preferential treatment under a free trade agreement.  HS Numbers can also be used to build market research, and identify foreign markets where similar products are currently being exported.

How to Find Your HS or Schedule B Number

1. Go to www.census.gov
2. Under the heading "Business and Industry" on the home page, click on "Foreign Trade"
3. In the top right-hand corner of the Foreign Trade page, pull down the topic index and scroll down to "Schedule B Search Engine", click go.
4. On the Schedule B Search Engine page, scroll about midway down the page to the heading "Search", this is what you should see (first image to the right)
5. Type your product keyword into the box and click "Search".
6. The search engine will return a Schedule B Number appropriate to the entered keyword. For Example (see second image to the right)
7. The page that the search engine returns will be titled "Schedule B Search - 2006", at the bottom of the page under the heading "2006 Schedule B Book", will be the search results for your keyword with an appropriated Schedule B Code (see third image to the right)

How to Confirm your HS or Schedule B Number

1. Call 1-800-549-0595, pick option 2 for assistance in finding a Schedule B Number for a specific product
2. Or for durable goods call (301) 763-3259, for non-durable goods call (301) 763-3484