Classify a product's HS tariff code using the US Census Schedule B API
domain: census.gov · 5 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps
Navigate to or query the Census Bureau's Schedule B search tool at https://uscensus.prod.3ceonline.com or use the publicly accessible Schedule B search endpoint to look up by keyword or partial description
Submit a keyword description of the product (e.g., 'lithium ion battery') and review the returned candidate HS/Schedule B codes with their full descriptions
Drill down from the 2-digit chapter to 4-digit heading to 6-digit subheading to 10-digit Schedule B number, confirming the description matches your product at each level
Cross-reference the selected code against the HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) for import classifications using the USITC HTS search at hts.usitc.gov to find the applicable import duty rate
Record both the Schedule B (export) and HTS (import) codes in your product master along with the classification rationale and the date of classification for audit purposes
Known gotchas
Schedule B codes (for US exports) and HTS codes (for US imports) share the same first 6 digits (the international HS subheading) but can diverge at the 8- and 10-digit levels; using the wrong system for the wrong purpose will cause customs filing errors
HS codes are updated every 5 years by the World Customs Organization; a classification that was correct in a prior WCO cycle may need review after a new edition takes effect
Classification is a legal determination; automated keyword matching tools are a starting point only — complex products (combination goods, software-embedded hardware) may require a binding ruling request from CBP
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