How to Find the Right Schedule B HTS Number for Your Products

If you are an exporter of goods from the United States, you need to know the Schedule B Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) number of your products. This is a 10-digit code that classifies your products according to the Harmonized System, an international standard for trade. The Schedule B HTS number is used for statistical purposes by the U.S. Census Bureau and other government agencies, as well as for determining the applicable duties and taxes for your products in the destination country.

But how do you find the right Schedule B HTS number for your products? Here are some steps you can follow to make sure you are using the correct code for your exports.

1. Start with the Schedule B Search Engine

This is a free online tool provided by the U.S. Census Bureau that allows you to search for Schedule B HTS numbers by keyword, description, or code. You can access it at https://uscensus.prod.3ceonline.com/. Simply enter your product name or a relevant keyword in the search box and click on “Search”. You will see a list of possible matches with their corresponding codes and descriptions. You can also browse the categories and subcategories of the Schedule B by clicking on the “+” signs next to them.

2. Compare the descriptions with your product details

Once you have found some potential matches, you need to compare the descriptions with your product details to make sure they are accurate and specific. For example, if you are exporting shoes, you need to specify the material, style, and gender of the shoes, as well as the country of origin. You may also need to provide additional information such as the size, weight, or value of your products. You can use the “Notes” section of the Schedule B Search Engine to see what information is required for each category and subcategory.

3. Check the validity and accuracy of the code

After you have selected a code that best describes your product, you need to check its validity and accuracy. You can do this by using the “Validate” function of the Schedule B Search Engine, which will verify if the code is valid and current, as well as if it matches the description you entered. You can also use other sources such as the U.S. International Trade Commission’s HTS Online Reference Tool at https://hts.usitc.gov/ or the World Customs Organization’s HS Nomenclature at http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/instrument-and-tools/hs-nomenclature-2017-edition/hs-nomenclature-2017-edition.aspx to cross-check your code with other databases.

4. Keep a record of your code and update it regularly

Once you have confirmed your code, you need to keep a record of it and use it consistently for your export documentation and reporting. You also need to update it regularly, as the Schedule B HTS numbers are subject to change every year or even more frequently due to revisions, amendments, or additions. You can subscribe to the U.S. Census Bureau’s email notifications at https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/alerts/index.html or check their website at https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/index.html for any updates or changes.

Finding the right Schedule B HTS number for your products may seem daunting at first, but with these steps and tools, you can simplify the process and ensure compliance with trade regulations. Remember that using the correct code is not only important for statistical purposes, but also for avoiding delays, penalties, or fines at customs.

What Is The Schedule B Number?

The Schedule B number is a 10-digit code that classifies physical goods exported from the United States to other countries. It is based on the Harmonized System (HS) code, which is a global product classification system used by customs authorities around the world. The Schedule B number is important for exporters because it helps them to determine the correct export commodity code, report their shipments in the Automated Export System (AES), comply with U.S. law, and access trade statistics and tariff rates.

The Global Demand For Products With A Schedule B Number

The global demand for products with a Schedule B number can be estimated by looking at the trade data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources. The trade data shows the value and quantity of exports and imports of different products by country and region. By analyzing the trade data, one can identify the trends and patterns of global demand for various products with a Schedule B number.

One example of a product with a Schedule B number is 8419.81.00, which corresponds to “Machinery, plant or laboratory equipment for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature; instantaneous or storage water heaters, non-electric; parts thereof: Storage water heaters, non-electric”. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the total value of U.S. exports of this product in 2020 was $1,073,686,000, which was an increase of 8.6% from 2019. The main export destinations for this product were Canada, Mexico, China, Germany, and Japan. The total value of U.S. imports of this product in 2020 was $1,153,509,000, which was a decrease of 7.8% from 2019. The main import sources for this product were China, Mexico, Canada, Italy, and Germany.

Another example of a product with a Schedule B number is 8542.31.00, which corresponds to “Electronic integrated circuits; parts thereof: Processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits or other circuits”. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the total value of U.S. exports of this product in 2020 was $11,895,149,000, which was a decrease of 5.3% from 2019. The main export destinations for this product were China, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore. The total value of U.S. imports of this product in 2020 was $16,569,862,000, which was an increase of 4% from 2019. The main import sources for this product were Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, China, and Singapore.

A third example of a product with a Schedule B number is 8703.23.00, which corresponds to “Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons (other than those of heading 8702), including station wagons and racing cars; parts and accessories thereof: Other vehicles with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine: Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,500 cc but not exceeding 3,000 cc”. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the total value of U.S. exports of this product in 2020 was $6,942,230,000, which was a decrease of 23% from 2019. The main export destinations for this product were Canada, China, Germany, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. The total value of U.S. imports of this product in 2020 was $17 ,610 ,518 ,000 , which was a decrease of 17% from 2019. The main import sources for this product were Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, and Mexico.

These examples show that the global demand for products with a Schedule B number varies depending on the type of product, the market conditions, the trade policies, and other factors. By using the Schedule B number as a tool for classification and analysis, exporters can gain insights into the opportunities and challenges in the global market.

References:

http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx

http://www.wcoomd.org/en/about-us/wco-members/membership.aspx

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaa3141

https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2015Sci…348..291C

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25883346

https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/

https://www.trade.gov/harmonized-system-hs-codes

https://uscensus.prod.3ceonline.com/

https://hts.usitc.gov/

http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/instrument-and-tools/hs-nomenclature-2017-edition/hs-nomenclature-2017-edition.aspx