Posted on LinkedIn:
A recent client project involved research and advice about Schedule B codes used in AES (Automated Export System) filings. Shippers often use Schedule B or Harmonized codes they have been given without understanding what the codes mean.
As I usually explain to clients, Schedule B is for export from the US and Harmonized codes are for imports. Both are based on the HTS system in which the first 6 digits are universal.
Importing countries can ( and do) use their own last 4 or 6 digits. So, since a US export is another country’s import, the Schedule B used for export may not match up exactly to the importing country’s harmonized code.
As noted in a previous post, codes are updated annually so it is a good business practice to check and verify your data. If you need help contact mitch@52.91.45.227T