The United States uses two distinct 10-digit tariff code systems: the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for imports and the Schedule B for exports. Both are built on the same international foundation — the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) — which means the first six digits are identical for the same product. The divergence happens at digits 7 through 10, where each system serves its own purpose.
The HTSUS is maintained by the US International Trade Commission and enforced by CBP. Its 10-digit codes determine the applicable duty rate, eligibility for preferential trade programs (like USMCA or GSP), and any additional regulatory requirements. The last four digits (7-10) are designed to capture duty-rate distinctions and statistical data relevant to imports. There are approximately 18,927 10-digit HTS codes currently in effect.
Schedule B is maintained by the US Census Bureau and is used exclusively for reporting exports from the United States. While Schedule B codes are also 10 digits, the last four digits serve statistical purposes for export tracking — they do not determine duty rates (since exports are generally duty-free from the US side). The Census Bureau uses this data to compile trade statistics, and exporters are legally required to report Schedule B codes on their Electronic Export Information (EEI) filings via the Automated Export System (AES).
HTS codes determine how much duty you pay on imports. Schedule B codes determine how US export statistics are compiled. Using one in place of the other causes compliance failures on both sides.
The most common mistake is using a Schedule B code on an import entry or an HTS code on an export filing. Since the first six digits match, the error may not be immediately obvious — but it can result in incorrect duty calculations, denied trade preference claims, or rejected export filings. Another frequent issue is assuming that because a product has the same 6-digit HS code in both systems, the full 10-digit code is interchangeable. It is not.
The Census Bureau provides a concordance table that maps Schedule B codes to HTS codes. Use it whenever you need to convert between systems. The USITC also publishes an HTS-to-Schedule B correlation. Bookmark both.
TariffPro classifies products under the correct system based on your transaction type. When you specify an import classification, it returns the full 10-digit HTS code with duty rates and trade program eligibility. For exports, it maps to the corresponding Schedule B code. This dual-system approach eliminates the risk of cross-contamination between import and export codes — a common compliance gap that TariffPro closes automatically.
Camtom Team
Trade Compliance
Descubre por qué más de 100 agencias ya operan con nosotros.