What Is a Schedule B Number?
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Talk to our experts- Schedule B number
- A Schedule B number is the 10-digit commodity classification number, administered by the US Census Bureau, from the Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States. Exporters report it, or the 10-digit HTSUSA number where allowed, in the Electronic Export Information (EEI) they file through the Automated Export System (AES).
Also called: Export commodity code
How it works
A Schedule B number is the export commodity code that classifies goods exported from the United States. The Foreign Trade Regulations (15 CFR part 30) define Schedule B as 10-digit commodity classification numbers that are administered by the Census Bureau and cover everything from live animals and food products to computers and airplanes. They add that all import and export codes used by the United States are based on the Harmonized Tariff System.
The number is reported in EEI, the electronic export data filed in the AES. Under 15 CFR 30.6, the filer reports the 10-digit Schedule B number, without decimals, or the 10-digit HTSUSA number instead, except as noted in the headnotes of the HTSUSA. A correct number does not relieve the filer of giving a complete and accurate commodity description.
As of October 28, 2026, 15 CFR 30.37(a) exempts EEI filing when the value shipped from one US principal party in interest (USPPI) to one ultimate consignee on a single exporting conveyance under an individual Schedule B number is $2,500 or less. The exemption applies per Schedule B number regardless of the total shipment value. It does not apply to the shipments listed in 15 CFR 30.2(a)(1)(iv), such as those requiring a Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) license, where EEI is filed regardless of value.
Codes change. The Census Bureau publishes lists of obsolete Schedule B codes, and asks users to consult the top of each document to find out when the codes are no longer valid. For classifying products, it provides a Schedule B Commodity Search Tool.
This is general information, not legal or customs advice.
What the EEI line carries with it
Under 15 CFR 30.6, the commodity classification number is one of the mandatory EEI data elements, reported alongside others that include:
- Commodity description. In English, in enough detail to permit verification of the Schedule B or HTSUSA number.
- Primary unit of measure. It must correspond to the primary quantity prescribed in the Schedule B or HTSUSA; if neither specifies one, an "X" is reported.
- Primary quantity. The total number of units in that first unit of measure, as a whole number.
- Shipping weight. In kilograms, including normal packaging, for exports by air, vessel, rail and truck.
- Domestic or foreign indicator. Foreign goods are reported as a separate line from domestic goods even if the commodity classification number is the same.
Schedule B vs. HTS code
The Foreign Trade Regulations describe the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA) as an organized listing of goods and their duty rates, developed by the US International Trade Commission, as the basis for classifying imported products. Schedule B is the classification for exports. For an export filing, either 10-digit number may be reported, subject to the HTSUSA headnotes. An ECCN is different again: the Bureau of Industry and Security says it is distinct from and entirely unrelated to either a Schedule B number or an HTS code.
Example
A distributor ships two products to one overseas consignee on the same ocean vessel. Product A, under one Schedule B number, is worth $1,800. Product B, under a different Schedule B number, is worth $3,200. The shipment totals $1,800 + $3,200 = $5,000.
Under 15 CFR 30.37(a), only the Schedule B numbers valued over $2,500 must be reported, so EEI is filed for product B only. If instead two lines carried the same Schedule B number at $1,500 each, the total for that number would be $1,500 x 2 = $3,000, and the exemption would not apply. Neither product needs a license in this example.
On Shopify
Shopify's product details page saves information that's required when shipping products internationally. For a product you ship internationally, you enter the Harmonized System (HS) tariff code, which provides customs with information so that the correct tariffs can be applied to the order, along with the country or region of origin. The Foreign Trade Regulations note that all US import and export codes, Schedule B included, are based on the Harmonized Tariff System.
How Uncap helps
On Uncap's Acumatica integration page, the product catalog card covers real-time product information, descriptions, pricing, UoMs and HS codes, pulled directly from Acumatica.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is Schedule B used for?
Schedule B numbers classify goods exported from the United States. Exporters report the 10-digit Schedule B number, or the matching HTSUSA number, in the Electronic Export Information filed through the Automated Export System, and the Census Bureau says its search tool helps exporters provide more accurate trade statistics.
What is schedule B or harmonized tariff number?
A Schedule B number is the 10-digit Census Bureau code for exported goods. The harmonized tariff number, or HTSUSA number, comes from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated, the listing of goods and duty rates developed by the US International Trade Commission as the basis for classifying imported products. Both are based on the Harmonized Tariff System, and either 10-digit number may be reported on an export filing, subject to the HTSUSA headnotes.
Where do I find my HS tariff number?
For US exports, the Census Bureau's Schedule B Commodity Search Tool classifies products by Schedule B number. The Bureau of Industry and Security points questions on HTS codes to the US International Trade Commission. In Shopify, you can search for a product's HS code by keyword in the Harmonized System (HS) code field of the product details page.
