Logistics Frequently Asked Questions:
These are answers to some of the most commonly asked export logistics questions.
What services do freight forwarders provide and how can I find one?
Why do I need HS / Schedule B numbers and how can I find them?
Why do you need to know your product’s Schedule B and HS numbers?
How to identify your product’s Schedule B number
How can I determine the tariff rate for my product?
What are some common export documents and where can I find samples?
Please see our page on common export documents.
What is the ATA Carnet?
What are Incoterms?
Is the metric system required for export labeling?
How can I learn about metric labeling requirements and other labeling standards?
Who pays customs charges?
Should I insure my shipment?
What does export insurance usually cover?
What are some resources that can help with exporting US food and agricultural products?
What services do freight forwarders provide and how can I find one?
Please see our page on Freight Forwarders.
Why do I need HS / Schedule B numbers and how can I find them?
The Harmonized System (HS) is an international product classification protocol used by customs officials for levying tariffs and controlling quotas on imported goods.
The U.S. uses a 10-digit Schedule B classification system that is based upon the Harmonized System. The first six digits of the Schedule B and Harmonized System numbers are the same.
Why do you need to know your product’s Schedule B and HS numbers?
Exporters need to know their product’s Schedule B and HS numbers to:
Determine applicable import tariff rates and whether a product qualifies for a preferential tariff under a Free Trade Agreement (the U.S. Schedule B number will be very similar, if not the same, as the importing country’s HS number).
Complete the Shipper’s Export Declaration, Certificates of Origin and other shipping documents.
How to identify your product’s Schedule B number
The Census Bureau sponsors a free online reference tool called the Schedule B Search Engine that can be used to classify your products.
The Schedule B search tool is the most commonly used method for classifying products. Click "search" and enter a "descriptive keyword" that best describes your product.
To learn more about the Schedule B search engine see the Census Bureau's Frequently Asked Questions.
For assistance with the search engine, please contact the Census Bureau toll free at 1-800-549-0595.
If, after consulting the Search Engine, you need additional assistance on Schedule B numbers, you may contact 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
For assistance identifying your appropriate HS number you may also contact your local Export Assistance Center or call the Trade Information Center at 1-800-USATRAD(E).
If you are having difficulty determining your Schedule B number, you may also want to review the Customs Rulings (CROSS) database.
The Census Bureau produces The Schedule B: Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States that 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.
How can I determine the tariff rate for my product?
Step 1: Determine your HS or Schedule B Number
The first step in determining duty and tax information is to identify the Harmonized System or Schedule B number for your product.
The duty amount will also depend on the trade terms you have negotiated with your buyer.
Step 2: Determine Tariff Rates
Once you know your product’s Schedule B number, you will be able to determine the applicable tariff and tax rates in a particular foreign country. The following links can help you locate specific tariff and tax rates for your product.
Country Specific Tariff and Tax Information: Tariff and tax information for exporting to 97 countries.
U.S. Government Tariff Resources for Agricultural Exports
Online Tariff Database provided by Traffic International
Tariff and Tax Information for U.S. Territories
Additional Tariff Resources (including information for importing into the U.S.)
For Assistance
After you have identified the Schedule B number, if you need assistance obtaining foreign import fee, duty, and tax information please call the Trade Information Center at 1-800-USA-TRADE.
To obtain duty and tax information, you may also e-mail a tariff inquiry (you must include the HS number) to the Trade Information Center at tic@ita.doc.gov or fax us at (202) 482-4473.
What are some common export documents and where can I find samples?
Please see our page on common export documents.
An ATA Carnet (a. k. a. "Merchandise Passport") is a document that facilitates the temporary importation of products into foreign countries by eliminating tariffs and value-added taxes (VAT) or the posting of a security deposit normally required at the time of importation.
Incoterms are 13 standardized definitions of commonly used shipping and trade terms that cover control of goods and financial responsibilities such as payment of cargo insurance and freight. Incoterms provide traders with a common set of rules outlining each party’s obligations, thus reducing misunderstandings.
Brief Descriptions of Incoterms
Departure |
EXW: EX Works |
Main carriage not paid by seller |
FCA: Free Carrier |
FAS: Free Alongside Ship | |
FOB: Free On Board | |
Main carriage paid by seller |
CFR: Cost and Freight |
CIF: Cost, Insurance and Freight | |
CPT: Carriage Paid To | |
CIP: Carriage and Insurance Paid to | |
Arrival |
DAF: Delivered At Frontier |
DES: Delivered Ex Ship | |
DEQ: Delivered Ex Quay | |
DDU: Delivered Duty Unpaid | |
DDP: Delivered Duty Paid |
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) establishes and publishes the Incoterms. To use the terms correctly, trade practitioners should consult the ICC for the complete, authorized Incoterm definitions.
Is the metric system required for export labeling?
The International System of Units, universally abbreviated SI, is the modern metric system of measurement. Every industrialized nation in the world, except the United States, prefers the metric system for weights and measures. Thus, the United States’ trading partners require at least dual labeling (U.S. units and metric units), if not metric-only measurement units on product labels. For example, the European Union (EU) currently allows dual product labeling (metric units and U.S. units), but on January 1, 2010 all products sold in the EU will require metric-only labeling.
How can I learn about metric labeling requirements and other labeling standards?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) administers the U.S. Metric Program and provides information about metric requirements and foreign labeling standards. NIST operates a free Internet-based service that automatically notifies interested businesses when foreign governments propose changes to labeling, metric, and other standards that might influence the treatment of U.S. exports. For additional information about this program, contact NIST at (301) 975-4040.
The Trade Information Center (TIC) also provides information about country labeling requirements. Please call the TIC at 1-800-USA-TRADE.
The responsibility for paying customs charges ultimately depends upon the trade terms that you have established with your buyer. For more information on shipping and trade terms, please see Incoterms.
If the terms of sale stipulate that the exporter is responsible for insurance, the exporting firm should either obtain its own policy or insure the cargo under a freight forwarder's policy for a fee.
If the terms of sale make the foreign buyer responsible for insurance, the exporter should not assume (or even take the buyer's word) that adequate insurance has been obtained. If the buyer neglects to obtain adequate coverage, damage to the cargo may cause a major financial loss to the exporter.
Shipments by sea are covered by marine cargo insurance (see a sample certificate).
Air shipments may also be covered by marine cargo insurance or insurance may be purchased from the air carrier.
What does export insurance usually cover?
Export shipments are usually insured against loss, damage, and delay in transit by cargo insurance. Carrier liability is frequently limited by international agreements. Additionally, the coverage is substantially different from domestic coverage.
Although sellers and buyers can agree to different components, insurance coverage is usually placed at 110 percent of the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) or CIP (carriage and insurance paid to) value.
Exporters are advised to consult with international insurance carriers or freight forwarders for more information.
What are some resources that can help with exporting US food and agricultural products?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides numerous online resources for agricultural exporters, including import requirements for specific products and countries. For additional assistance with agricultural exports please contact the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service: (202) 690-3576.