Frequently Asked Questions

New to Export? Where do I go to learn the basics of exporting?

A good place to start is the US Department of Commerce's export site: http://www.export.gov/exportbasics/exp_001602.asp Comprehensive information on the various aspects of exporting is provided.

How do I determine if my company is export ready?

Determining your company's capabilities and resources and ability to export is a smart way to approach the exporting process. This US Department of Commerce website contains an interactive export assessment: http://www.fas.usda.gov/agexport/exporttest.asp

How do I find export financing?

Try the Export Finance Matchmaker which was created to assist U.S. exporters and buyers of U.S. products and services find the financial resources which best meet their individual needs. http://web.ita.doc.gov/efm/efm.nsf

How do I obtain market research for a specific country or product?

Two good sources to begin your search: http://www.itdn.net and http://www.export.gov/mrktresearch/index.asp

How do I locate trade leads for my exporting business?

The following websites provide trade lead information as well as other trade information: http://www.itdn.net and http://www.buyusa.com/page/my_gtn/splash.asp

Is there a tariff (duty) that applies to my product in a foreign country? What is a Harmonized System classification number? What is a Schedule B number? Is there a difference between HS and Schedule B numbers? How do I determine the HS or Schedule B number for a specific product?

Tariff and tax information is available from the Internet, private sources, and from the federal government. For official rates, it is always best to contact customs authorities in the country to which a product will be exported. For example, if a product is being exported from the United States to France, French customs authorities should be contacted for official tariff and tax information. The TIC can provide unofficial, estimated tariff (duty) and tax rates for non-agricultural products for certain countries, as well as contact information for foreign customs authorities.

General information about taxes and tariffs is available on the Trade Information Center website at http://www.export.gov/tic by clicking on "Tariff and Tax Information."

In order to determine a specific tariff, you must first classify your product according to its Harmonized System (HS) number.

What is a Harmonized System (HS) classification number?

The Harmonized System Classification is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. HS numbers are 6-10 digits in length. They are assigned to different products and used by customs officials around the world to determine the duties, taxes, and regulations that apply to those products. The first six digits of HS numbers are harmonized throughout the world. Digits beyond the sixth digit may vary by country.

What is a Schedule B number?

In the United States, numbers used to classify exported products are called "Schedule B" numbers. The Schedule B system is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau. Schedule B numbers, not HS numbers, must be provided on the Shippers' Export Declaration (SED). The Census Bureau uses SEDs and Schedule B numbers to calculate U.S. export statistics.

Is there a difference between HS and Schedule B numbers?

Yes. In the United States, HS numbers are used for import documentation, while Schedule B numbers are used for export documentation. Both Schedule B and HS numbers have the same first six digits. However, HS numbers and Schedule B numbers can be different beyond the sixth digit.


Contact Information