The Harmonized System

All import and export codes used by the United States are based on the Harmonized System (HS). The HS assigns 6-digit codes for general categories. This 6-digit code is known as the Harmonized System number.

Countries that use the HS are allowed to define commodities at a more detailed level than 6-digits, however all definitions must be within that 6-digit framework. The U.S., for example, defines products using 10-digit codes in its Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).

Export codes, also known as Schedule B numbers, are administered by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Import codes are administered by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). 

What is Schedule B numbers?

Schedule B, is a statistical classification of domestic and foreign commodities that are exported from the United States. All of these commodities must be assigned a ten-digit Schedule B number. The first 6 digits of the Schedule B number are Harmonized. The harmonized system is a worldwide classification method in which the same 6-digit number is assigned to a good regardless of its origin or the language in which it is described. The harmonized system consists of 22 sections, divided into 97 chapters. There are approximately 8,400 10-digit numbers in the 1996 edition of the Schedule B book.  

What is Harmonized System (HS)? 

Harmonized System (HS) numbers 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. Since this is sometimes difficult, companies can use the Schedule B number to approximate.

Why you need to know your product's Schedule B and HS numbers

Exporters need to know their product’s Schedule B and HS numbers for the following reasons:

1. To determine applicable import tariff rates and whether a product qualifies for a preferential tariff under a Free Trade Agreement;

2. The Schedule B number is needed to complete the Shipper’s Export Declaration, Certificates of Origin and other shipping documents; and

3. The HS Number may be needed on shipping documents, such as certificates of origin

How to identify your product’s Schedule B number

The Census Bureau sponsors a free online tool called the Schedule B Search Engine. 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.

If you require assistance with the search engine, please contact the Census Bureau toll free at 1-800-549-0595.

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

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.